A Village Level Organization (VLO) called Pete of Kezoma village under Jakhama Block, Kohima was felicitated at a function at the village council hall on May 31. The felicitation program coincided with the 3rd Foundation Day of VLO Pete. Addl. secretary and mission director, NSRLM, Athel O. Lotha, felicitated Pete VLO with a cash reward at the felicitation programme. She encouraged the organization to bring more laurels to the state and promised them exposure trips to further enhance their knowledge about the workings of a good VLO.
According to a press release issued by SPM, (KMC and Gender), NSRLM, VLO Pete which was promoted by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) recently made news for being among 10 VLOs in the country to win the Best VO National Award at a ceremony held in Ranchi, Jharkhand earlier in May.
Special guest addl. mission director NSRLM, Kevipodi Sophie, who spoke on the occasion, expressed pride at this unique achievement not only for Kezoma village but for Nagaland as a whole.
Advising the organization to progress further, he also urged the Japfüphi Thenuko Block Level Federation (JTBLF), a federation of VLOs under Jakhama Block, to share and emulate the success of Pete VLO through cross learning and interactive sessions.
Also addressing the gathering, COO (Programs) NSRLM, M. Rollan Lotha, said it was a matter of great pride that a village located at a remote corner had put Nagaland on the map.
He exhorted them saying that the race had just begun, adding that entitlements received right from the SHG to Federation levels would additionally be aided with projects on entrepreneurship and skills focused on rural youths and similar centrally sponsored schemes. He further underscored the need to be forthcoming and be part of the venture to take the mission forward.
CRP-EP of the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), Nobao reported that altogether 34 potential entrepreneurs had started availing loans under this programme with enterprises such as grocery stores, butcher shop, poultry supply, taxi services, garment shops, saw mill, rice mill, goods carriers, restaurant, vegetable selling etc already set up. Short speeches were also delivered by president JTBLF Hovisale Khatso; block program manager, BMMU Jakhama, Vitseituo Mepfhüo and area coordinator, BMMU, Jakhama, NSRLM, Vikepelie.
The programme was chaired by Kranei Sachü, vice president Pete VLO with invocation said by Catechist, Catholic Church Kezoma, Kedusü Jerome. A welcome speech was delivered by president, Pete VLO, Thejaseno Mekro, a report on the VLO was presented by Nokrole Zecho, and vote of thanks by Nosarele Zecho, treasurer, Pete VLO.