Gangtok: Sikkim’s State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC) has collaborated with the Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) to host an outreach camp focused on Self-Help Group (SHG) credit linkage at Chongrang Block, Yuksam-Tashiding Subdivision.
The initiative aimed to enhance financial literacy and improve access to banking services for rural women SHG members.
The event, held at the auditorium hall of the Block Administrative Centre in Chongrang, was attended by over 100 women SHG members from Chongrang Block. Key officials, including SDM Yuksam Chandan S Limboo, Panchayat President Ganga Maya Chettri, and representatives from various nationalised banks, also participated in the programme.
Experts from SLBC, nationalised banks, and SRLM provided valuable insights on government schemes, financial assistance opportunities, skill development programs, hassle-free loans, and insurance policies tailored for SHGs.
The attendees were also informed about central government insurance schemes, including Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY).
In his keynote address, SLBC State Head Mr. Majumdar elaborated on the role of SLBC in SHG credit linkage and outlined various welfare schemes available.
SDM Yuksam Chandan S Limboo emphasised the importance of banking awareness among SHG members and encouraged them to utilise government-backed financial schemes for economic growth and livelihood enhancement. He also stressed the need for a nationalised bank in the Yuksam-Tashiding Subdivision to improve banking accessibility.
Other speakers, including AGM NABARD Rupen Lamichhaney, APM SRLM Gakul Gurung, and State Manager Sikkim CFL Project Hem Kumar Chettri, reiterated the significance of financial inclusion for SHGs and urged members to actively participate in credit linkage programs.
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