Namsai, Apr 9: In a major step towards empowering rural women, two new micro enterprise development programmes (MEDPs) were launched in Namsai district on Wednesday.
Supported by NABARD and implemented by the Bethel Life Care Charitable Trust (BLCCT) in collaboration with Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), the initiatives aim to provide skill-based training to help women from self-help groups (SHGs) start their own businesses.
The programmes, held in Jona village under Namsai block and Alubari village in Chongkham block), focus on soap and detergent making and incense stick making, respectively.
Each training will benefit 30 SHG women, equipping them with practical skills for self-employment and income generation.
NABARD AGM (District Development) Kamal Roy, encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the training, emphasising the commercial potential of soap, detergent, and incense products, especially those made with local resources.
Roy also highlighted the importance of business planning, digital marketing via platforms like ONDC, and awareness of financial inclusion and social security schemes.
Gaon buras of Jona and Alubari addressed the gatherings, urging the women to remain committed to the training and take it as a chance to improve their livelihoods.
BLCCT CEO Chandan Prasad in his address gave insights on producing high-quality products, building brand identity, and effective marketing. He emphasised teamwork among SHG members to ensure the success of the initiatives.
Mentor from the Startup Village Enterprises Programme (SVEP) Jyoti Kumari, assured continued support beyond the training period. She discussed assistance with business plans, bank loans, and regular mentoring.
Notably, she mentioned that the incense stick training is integrated with NABARD’s floriculture project, ensuring access to raw materials like flowers.
The block coordinator of ArSRLM praised the participants’ enthusiasm and reaffirmed support in helping them convert their training into sustainable income-generating ventures.
The events concluded with words of thanks from Pinky Sonowal from Jona and Anju Limbu from Alubari, both CRP-EPs of ArSRLM. They expressed gratitude to NABARD, BLCCT, ArSRLM, and the guests, promising that the women would fully utilise this opportunity.
The initiatives mark a meaningful push towards grassroots rural development, powered by partnerships and the determination of women to create better futures for their communities.
