Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) launched its first Block Level Federation (BLF) at Jakhama Block, Kohima district, where the Japfüphi Thenuko Block Level Federation (Japfü Range Women BLF) was launched on August 10 at SAPO Hall, Jakhama by joint secretary RD and mission director NSRLM, Athel O. Lotha.
While congratulating the federation and the NSRLM staff on the achievement, Ethel expressed gratitude for the cooperation of various stakeholders such as the village councils, VDBs, banks and others for their support in enabling the SHG women of the Block to form the federation.
She also exhorted the federation to work with dedication and sincerity and to identity deserving beneficiaries from amongst its federating units as the Japfüphi Thenuko Block Level Federation (JTBLF) would serve as an example to other districts in the days to come. She also advised the SRLM Jakhama Block staff to draw up proper plans for areas of intervention to better facilitate and strengthen the BLF.
A presentation on the NRLM-BLF concept was given by chief operating officer (Programs), NSRLM, M. Rollan Lotha, wherein he stated the BLF would now be taking care of the federating Village Level Organizations (VLOs) which comprise of SHGs from all the 12 villages under Jakhama block.
AGM, NABARD, Bendang Aier briefed the gathering on facilities that could be availed through banks and the importance of thorough understanding of bank norms, terms and conditions. He also encouraged taking up of Income Generating Activities and mentioned facilities through banks introduced by the Government of India such as the Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme and National Livestock Mission.
Also speaking during the function, Khovi Thaprü, BDO Jakhama RD Block underlined the need to repay loans on time in order to avail more opportunities. He encouraged the federating VLOs to come up with initiatives and innovations identified in their respective villages and assured all possible support from the department in fulfilling these initiatives. Status report of the Block Mission Management Unit, Jakhama was presented by Block Program Manager, BMMU Jakhama, Kenivole Richa where she highlighted that the Block Level Federation comprises of 17 VLOs from the 12 villages under Jakhama Block. She also informed that since inception the SHGs and institutions under NSRLM of Jakhama block have received a total amount of Rs. 1.32 crores in terms of start-up costs, revolving fund, community investment fund and credit linkages through banks.
The launching programme was chaired by secretary, JTBLF, Rokono Kisotso and invocation was led by pastor, Jakha Town Baptist Church, Bise Sophie. Welcome address and vote of thanks were delivered by president JTBLF, Hovisale Khatso and joint secretary JTBLF Khrieno Mera respectively. Special items were presented by VLO, Viswema Viswe-Meto and VLO, Jakhama, Kedakelie. The program was attended by BDO Tseminyu John Wesley Magh, bank managers from various banks, village functionaries, NSRLM state mission management unit staff and district and block staff.