TAWANG, 29 Jul: Tawang Deputy Commissioner Namgyal Angmo emphasised that livelihood activities should focus on sectors with greater potential and sustainability.
Chairing a District Steering Committee (DSC) meeting of the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM) here on Wednesday, the DC observed that, while establishing successful enterprises requires time, every investment of time, effort, and resources by SHG members must eventually translate into tangible outcomes.
Encouraging SHG members to remain patient and consistent, she stated that perseverance, hard work, calculated risk-taking, and continuous efforts are the keys to building successful enterprises.
She directed the departments concerned to organise extensive awareness campaigns across all blocks in the coming month on the various Atmanirbhar schemes, so that eligible villagers and SHGs are fully informed about the available opportunities.
She urged SHG members to participate actively in these awareness programmes, and reiterated that beneficiary selection under all government schemes must remain transparent, fair, and focused on deserving groups.
The meeting was attended by Zilla Parishad Chairperson Leki Gombu, Tawang ZPM Sonam Nordzin, Kyidphel ZPM Tenzin Monpa, Mogto-Bongkhar ZPM Pema Tsering, HoDs, ArSRLM officials, and members of various self-help groups (SHGs).
ArSRLM District Mission Manager Toko Lej delivered a presentation on the implementation of the ArSRLM across Tawang district, highlighting the mission’s efforts in strengthening SHGs, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and achieving the vision of creating lakhpati didis through financial inclusion, skill development, and enterprise support.
He emphasised the need for stronger inter-departmental convergence to ensure that flagship schemes such as Atmanirbhar Bagwani Yojana (ANBY), Atmanirbhar Pashu Palan Yojana (ANPY), and Atmanirbhar Krishi Yojana (ANKY) effectively support SHG members in becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.
He pointed out that market linkage, branding, infrastructure, and value addition remain key challenges for SHGs in competing with larger commercial enterprises.
Stressing the importance of regular monitoring and stakeholder participation, he sought active cooperation from PRI members and line departments to overcome existing bottlenecks.
The ZPMs assured of their full support to the mission and urged ArSRLM officials to actively involve PRI representatives in all initiatives to ensure that deserving beneficiaries are identified transparently. They also suggested promoting locally viable livelihood activities such as cultivation and marketing of Sichuan pepper, traditional Monpa attire, organic vegetable farming, and other region-specific enterprises with strong market potential.
Representing the SHGs, Nawang Chonzom, president of SHG Khandro Drowa Zangmo, requested that SHG members be given due preference while selecting beneficiaries under various Atmanirbhar schemes, including ANBY, ANPY, and ANKY.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from the district administration, PRI members, line departments, and ArSRLM officials to strengthen convergence, improve market access, and empower rural women through sustainable livelihood opportunities across the district. (DIPRO)
