YUPIA, 21 Aug: A District Level Steering Committee (DLSC) meeting on the Lakhpati Didi initiative in Papum Pare district was conducted by the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) on Friday here.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mamu Hage, and was attended by Assistant Commissioner Bengia Yakar, zilla parishad members from Doimukh and Borum, heads of departments from various line departments, the lead district manager of the SBI, and officials of the ArSRLM from different blocks in Papum Pare district.

During the meeting, the district mission manager of the ArSRLM highlighted the importance of the 'Lakhpati Didi' initiative and emphasised the need for formation of a 'Lakhpati Didi Steering Committee' for its effective implementation in every district. The presentation also covered the targets and achievements of the ArSRLM during the financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27, with special focus on strengthening self-help groups (SHGs) and promoting sustainable livelihood opportunities for rural women.

Addressing the gathering, the deputy commissioner appreciated the efforts of the ArSRLM, and shared inputs on the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which is being promoted by the Ministry of Rural Development. She instructed all line departments to work in convergence, so that maximum SHGs benefit from various schemes and interventions, and so that the targets allotted to Papum Pare district are achieved in a time-bound manner.

The deputy commissioner further stressed that coordinated efforts among departments, financial institutions, and field-level functionaries would play a key role in enabling rural women to enhance their income and become lakhpati didis. She also encouraged officials to identify potential beneficiaries, provide timely support, and ensure proper handholding for SHG members across the district.

A highlight of the programme was the felicitation of lakhpati didis and sharing of a success story by a lakhpati didi from Borum block, who spoke about her journey and the positive impact of livelihood support and SHG-based interventions. Her experience served as an inspiration for other members, and reinforced the objective of empowering rural women through income-generating activities.

The meeting concluded with a collective call for stronger convergence, active participation of all stakeholders, and focused efforts towards achieving the vision of creating more lakhpati didis in Papum Pare district.