NSRLM committed towards empowering rural women

Kohima, June 1 (MExN): Pete Village Level Organisation (VLO) from Kezoma village under Jakhama RD Block, Kohima District, recently adjudged as one of the 10 Best VLOs under DAY-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) was felicitated on May 31. A press note informed that the function was held coinciding with its 3rd Foundation Day at the village council hall.

Kevipodi Sophie, Additional Mission Director NSRLM, the special guest spoke on the commitment of the Government of India to enable women to come at par and enhance their lives. He shared about the Mission’s objective while reminding that the government has initiated various projects and programmes for the rural poor.

Advising the organization to progress further, he urged the Japfüphi Thenuko Block Level Federation (JTBLF), a federation of VLOs under Jakhama Block, to share the success of Pete VLO with other organizations to emulate through cross learning and interactive sessions.

He stated that women are the backbone of society and therefore, they should find out more avenues to increase livelihood initiatives and tap potential value-added marketing opportunities as Nagas have become more health-conscious and this is the time to focus on organic products and produce.

Addressing the gathering, M. Rollan Lotha, COO (Programs) NSRLM said it was a matter of great pride that a village located at a remote corner has put Nagaland on the map which has proven what Nagas can achieve through SHGs.

He reminded them about a core principle of NRLM that poor women have the innate capacity to come out of poverty and Pete VLO is proof that the state mission is headed in the right direction by fulfilling its core principle. Exhorting them that the race has just begun, he said entitlements received right from the SHG to Federation levels would additionally be aided with projects on entrepreneurship and skills focused on rural youths and similar centrally sponsored schemes.

He further underscored the need to be forthcoming and be part of the venture to take the mission forward. He also informed that national resource persons would be engaged to nurture and further strengthen the federations into becoming independent entities and that the Mission is committed towards achieving this objective.

Athel O. Lotha, Addl. Secretary and Mission Director, NSRLM felicitated Pete VLO with a cash reward while also encouraging the organization to work towards bringing more laurels to the State and also assured exposure trips to further enhance their knowledge about the workings of a good VLO.

In a short speech, Nobao, CRP-EP of the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) informed that altogether 34 potential entrepreneurs have started availing loans under this programme with enterprises already set up such as grocery stores, butcher shop, poultry supply, taxi services, garment shops, saw mill, rice mill, goods carriers, restaurant, vegetable selling etc.

Short speeches were also delivered by Hovisale Khatso, president JTBLF; Vitseituo Mepfhüo, Block Program Manager, BMMU Jakhama and Vikepelie, Area Coordinator, BMMU, Jakhama, NSRLM.

The programme was chaired by Kranei Sachü, vice president Pete VLO with invocation by Kedusü Jerome, Catechist, Catholic Church Kezoma. Welcome speech was delivered by Thejaseno Mekro, president, Pete VLO and a report on the VLO was presented by Nokrole Zecho with vote of thanks by Nosarele Zecho, treasurer, Pete VLO. Folk tunes were presented by Kekhrie SHG and Vitsolerü SHG.

The felicitation was attended by members of the Kezoma Village Council, VDB secretary, Head GB and colleagues, women society, students’ union, school management committee members and officials from the state mission, district and block mission management units of NSRLM.