Agartala: The Tripura government, led by Chief Minister Manik Saha, is prioritising women empowerment through the implementation of various welfare schemes.
Speaking at a programme marking the culmination of International Women’s Day celebrations, Saha highlighted the significant progress made in economically empowering women involved in self-help groups (SHGs).
The number of women-run SHGs has increased dramatically from 4,000 in 2016-17 to 53,663 currently, with 4.84 lakh women engaged in various activities under the SHG umbrella. To empower these SHGs, the government has spent Rs 746.80 crore so far, with a significant rise in loans disbursed to SHGs from Rs 4.95 crore to Rs 14.65 crore.
The state has also seen the emergence of 91,871 ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi working to create ‘Drone Didis’. The Tripura government is taking steps to support this initiative. Furthermore, the council of ministers will implement two schemes for girls, including investing Rs 50,000 in bonds for every girl child born into BPL families, with a maturity period of 18 years.
Additionally, the government will provide scooters to 140 higher secondary pass-out girl students, regardless of their educational board affiliation. However, the Chief Minister expressed concern over the alarming rate of child marriage in North Tripura, South Tripura, and Sepahijala districts.
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