Shillong, December 1 : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today inaugurated the 6th Meghalaya Saras Aajeevika Fair 2025 at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong, celebrating the spirit of rural entrepreneurship and women-led transformation across the state. The event was attended by Community and Rural Development Minister Sosthenes Sohtun, senior officials, and representatives of self-help groups (SHGs) from across Meghalaya and other states.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma described the event as a celebration of a “quiet revolution”unfolding in Meghalaya’s villages—powered by the dedication and creativity of rural women. “The self-help group movement is one of the most transformative, community-driven programmes of the state, where women combine hard work with cultural values to create opportunities for themselves and others,” he said.
He lauded the SHG movement for driving inclusive economic growth, stating that the government’s approach has gone beyond schemes to focus on empowering women, entrepreneurs, farmers, and youth. “Today’s programme is not just about economic growth—it celebrates the women who have changed lives through self-help and solidarity,” he added.
Reflecting on the origins of the SHG movement, the Chief Minister shared that it began as a social response to reduce maternal mortality (MMR) in rural areas. “We discovered that improving maternal health required going beyond medical intervention—it meant addressing nutrition, family planning, and economic empowerment,” he said.
This holistic approach, he explained, led to the exponential growth of SHGs, which now number over 55,000 groups across the state.
Highlighting Meghalaya’s strong economic progress, the Chief Minister announced that the state is now the second-fastest growing economy in India. “Our growth has not just come from capital investment and government spending but from the rise of grassroots initiatives like self-help groups,” he said.
He emphasized that SHGs have become “transformational institutions”, fostering entrepreneurship, collaboration, and financial independence at the community level.
Outlining the government’s vision for the future, the Chief Minister said that the next phase of SHG development will focus on strengthening institutional frameworks and enhancing entrepreneurship programmes. “The spirit of helping one another and working together must continue to drive this transformation,” he said in conclusion, praising women for their perseverance and leadership.
The inauguration was followed by a series of felicitations, awards, and programme launches, underscoring the government’s commitment to rural empowerment :
- Community cadres and village organisations supporting ICDS programmes and establishing transit homes for pregnant women were honoured.
- Certificates were awarded to 15 volunteers for their dedication to the Har Ghar Tiranga campaign.
- 15 Micro-ATMs were distributed to Business Correspondents in partnership with Meghalaya Rural Bank (MRB).
- Loan cheques were handed over to SHGs under MRB’s rural credit linkage initiative.
- Cold Chain Boxes were distributed to Pashu Sakhis (community animal health workers).
- The state launch of “Nayi Chetna”, a national campaign on gender equality and women empowerment, was announced.
- 50 Integrated Farming Clusters, worth ₹20 crore, and the Lumlang Marketing Federation were formally launched.
More than 60 SHGs and rural entrepreneurs from Meghalaya and other states showcased their products at the fair, featuring handicrafts, local foods, handlooms, and innovative agri-based products. The event provided a valuable platform for networking, marketing, and knowledge exchange, reaffirming Meghalaya’s commitment to building an inclusive and self-reliant rural economy.
