CM inaugurates M’laya Saras Aajeevika Fair 2025
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Dec 1: The 6th Meghalaya Saras Aajeevika Fair 2025 has showcased the growing impact of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and rural entrepreneurs who are reshaping village economies across the state.
Organised by the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), the fair featured over 60 SHGs from Meghalaya and neighbouring states displaying handmade crafts, textiles, soaps, bamboo products and traditional items.
Several first-time participants said the fair offered valuable exposure.
Iabhalang Makhroh from Ri-Bhoi, who exhibited handmade soaps and woollen products, said her group operates without government assistance but hopes the event will help them reach more buyers.
Entrepreneurs from Tripura and Jammu & Kashmir also expressed optimism about increased sales and visibility.
MSRLS official Basrang K. Sangma said the organisation continues to support women’s collectives through loans and market linkages, enabling many ‘Didis’ to improve their incomes.
Inaugurating the fair, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma described the SHG movement as one of Meghalaya’s most transformative community-driven initiatives.
He said it has grown far beyond economic activity, empowering women, improving family well-being and strengthening grassroots development. With SHGs expanding to 55,000 groups, he credited their rise to efforts addressing maternal health, nutrition and women’s empowerment.
The event included awards for community cadres, loan cheque distribution, launch of Micro ATMs, cold-chain support for Pashu Sakhis, and the rollout of 50 Integrated Farming Clusters and the Nayi Chetna gender equality campaign.
The fair concluded with a celebration of the women whose collective efforts continue to drive meaningful change in Meghalaya’s rural landscape.
