By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has lauded the progress made in Meghalaya’s health sector, particularly highlighting the significant decline in the Maternal Mortality Rate as a strong indicator of real, on-ground transformation.
During her visit to Laitkynsew village in East Khasi Hills, the Union minister interacted with women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Lakhpati Didis, and members of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). She underscored the vital role that SHGs have played in driving grassroots change.
Expressing deep appreciation for the Meghalaya government’s efforts in effectively implementing Central and State schemes, Sitharaman emphasised the importance of inclusive development and grassroots empowerment to realize the vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’
Thanking the state government for its warm hospitality, she remarked that she was leaving with “strong memories of the remarkable efforts under way to take the schemes of both the Government of India and the Government of Meghalaya to every corner of this beautiful state.”
Reflecting on her visit to the aspirational district of Ri-Bhoi and her engagements in Shillong, Sitharaman highlighted how Meghalaya’s development journey exemplifies Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. “If we truly believe in Sabka Vikas, development must reach everyone—man and woman, village and city, young and elderly, rich and poor alike,” she said. She added that inclusive growth must empower every citizen to pursue their aspirations and secure a dignified livelihood.
Since 2014, there has been a focused effort to support women’s collectives by improving access to credit, training, branding, and market linkages. The Minister emphasised the importance of the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to ensure that at least five women in every village earn a sustainable income of Rs 1 lakh annually.
“Motivation grows when one of your own achieves success. The Prime Minister’s Lakhpati Didi initiative has inspired women across the country to dream bigger,” she stated.
Sitharaman reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to support Meghalaya’s ambition of building a USD 30 billion economy by 2030 — an aim that aligns with India’s broader developmental roadmap. “To reach this target, every village must contribute. If Meghalaya achieves this vision, it will serve as both a model and a catalyst for India’s national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047,” she noted.
She concluded with a strong reaffirmation of the partnership between the Centre and the state,
stating that the central government is determined to work closely with Meghalaya to fulfill these aspirations.
A compelling example of grassroots empowerment was shared during the interaction by Lahun Mary Blah of the Ieng Rasong SHG. She recounted how she began her entrepreneurial journey with a Rs 4,000 loan to sell clothes. Over time, she accessed further financial support, including a Rs 10,000 Cash Credit loan to start a clothing shop and a Rs 1 lakh Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan from the Cluster Level Federation (CLF) in 2025. This enabled her to expand her ventures to include a tea stall and a flower boutique.
Mary shared that her businesses not only increased her income but also created local employment opportunities. Her annual income has risen from Rs 20,000 to Rs 3.4 lakh, and she now holds personal savings of over Rs 4,080 in her SHG account. More than the financial gain, she said, the journey has empowered her—transforming her from a homemaker into a confident entrepreneur and changemaker.