SHILLONG: The second edition of SARAS (Sale of Articles by Rural Artisans), an initiative to provide market access to self-help groups, got under way here on Tuesday.
The ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) along with the state government has offered financial support to the fair.
SHGs from nine states across India also made their way to the fair to display their products and exchange ideas with their counterparts here.
The other states participating in the fair are Tripura, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and West Bengal.
The fair being held at Madan Iewrynghep, Laitumkhrah, will conclude on November 30.
Speaking as chief guest, state minister Ampareen Lyngdoh lauded the SHGs for playing the role of a platform for women empowerment and making rural artisans financially independent.
Lyngdoh appealed to the SHGs from other states to teach and help the SHGs of Meghalaya, and in turn, learn about the culture and tradition of the state.
Ram Singh, the chief executive officer of Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS) said the fair would provide urban-rural linkage to the SHGS here while those from across the country will have cultural exchange.
“The fair has been a good platform to build confidence among the SHGs to showcase their products,” he said.
He further said such fairs have resulted in manifold increase in the participation of SHGs in different parts of the country.
On the other hand, Lyngdoh launched the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY) vehicles as a means to provide rural transport to village organisations that do not have access to public or private transport.
Three village organisations – from Dalu (West Garo Hills), Mawkyrwat (South West Khasi Hills) and Mawkynrew (East Khasi Hills) – were provided a vehicle each.
Village organisations, termed as the mother of all SHGs, have a total of 10-20 villages under them.
With the availability of vehicles, the SHGs can get access to markets, health facilities among others.
Launched by the ministry of rural development, AGEY is a new sub-scheme under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
Shanlang Lyngdoh, mission manager of MSRLS, said the cost of a vehicle was Rs 9 lakh, of which the MoRD provided Rs 6, 50,000. The remaining amount was raised by the respective SHGs.
Eighteen stalls have been put up at the venue while a rural set up is poised to attract many visitors to the fair. Besides, people will have the luxury of choosing from a wide variety of materials ranging from clothes, decorative articles, food items and others.
