DIMAPUR: Minister for PHED and Cooperation, Jacob Zhimomi, said the Central government has been consistently pushing for women’s upliftment and progress, with continuous support extended to Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the country to promote self reliance and sufficiency.
Speaking at the 2nd annual general meeting of Lydia Block Federation (Niuland) on June 27, Zhimomi highlighted that women are no longer bound by hazardous kitchen smoke due to free LPG schemes like Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, which have improved respiratory health and life expectancy.
He added that the state government is making all efforts to ensure the benefit reaches every woman across Nagaland.
On women’s safety, the Minister praised the impact of programmes such as Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission, which have reduced the need for women to travel long distances for sanitation and water. Reiterating that women are the backbone of every household, he lauded Lydia Block Federation for emerging as a vocal platform of empowerment, rural income enhancement and financial independence, representing nearly 80% of households in the block.
The federation currently comprises around 1500 SHG members, 25 Village Level Organisations and 205 SHGs, playing a vital role in linking grassroots groups with government and financial institutions. Notably, 270 “lakhpati didis” have already emerged from the federation against a target of 500.
Imonenla Imkong Phom, SPM IBCB and M&E, NSRLM, also addressed the gathering, urging women to aim higher and contribute further to sustaining the local economy.
As part of the AGM, awards were presented to outstanding Community Cadres, VLOs and SHGs.
