The Japfüphi Women Livelihoods and Credit Cooperative Society (JWLCCS) held its 9th Annual General Body Meeting on Saturday at the Khuzama Village Council Hall, bringing together 320 members from 12 villages under its fold.
The meeting was graced by Chozhüle Kikhi, retired deputy director of Horticulture, as the special guest. Exhorting the gathering, Kikhi emphasized the critical importance of understanding the core objectives of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), noting that while SHGs are no longer a new concept, there remains a need for deeper clarity on their intended purpose.
Reflecting on the evolution of SHG-based initiatives, Kikhi shared that around 30 years ago, the kinds of provisions and opportunities currently available under SHG schemes were largely absent.
She recalled early livelihood initiatives in Nagaland such as mushroom rearing in 1984, and the Canada-funded project that prioritized environmental protection, which laid the groundwork for future intervention projects in the state.
She stressed that any intervention project undertaken by the society must be focused on key areas—improving the local economy, ensuring environmental sustainability, and building capacity at the grassroots.
“SHGs should be formed to empower our people, not as a means to seek donations,” she asserted, pointing out that the ultimate goal of SHGs was to promote economic independence.
Highlighting the origin of SHGs, she referenced Prof. Muhammad Yunus who initiated the concept through the Grameen Bank to support landless women. Kikhi noted that thrift savings remains a fundamental principle under SHG operations, and proper utilization of seed loans can help groups transition into economically self-reliant units.
She also recalled the role of NEPED (Nagaland Empowerment of People through Economic Development) in promoting SHGs in the state.
As part of the meeting, testimonies were shared by successful beneficiaries of JWLCCS projects.
Mezikhol Kera, a beneficiary of the Community Enterprise Fund (CEF) from Khuzama village, recounted his journey from working as a construction helper to becoming a small-scale entrepreneur.
He said that he started a small shop in 2017 and later expanded into hardware sales with a loan of Rs. 80,000. With community support and financial discipline, he managed to repay his loans and eventually secured further support to acquire a vehicle. “Whatever I have achieved is by God’s grace and with the help of the CEF,” he said.
Another testimony was shared by Puhosünü, a beneficiary of the Community Investment Fund (CIF), who spoke of her experience under the CLP special piggery loan scheme.
She said she bought five piglets with the support and has since diversified into poultry and weaving.
She also shared how she learned to write in order to manage her business, and credited the programme’s officials for encouraging her during difficult times. “If I had sought a loan from elsewhere, the interest would have been high or I might not have qualified at all,” she said.
Earlier, the meeting was chaired by Neilakuonuo Livi, advisor of JWLCCS. Invocation was pronounced by Thejavino Naleo, administrator of Baptist Higher Secondary School, Khuzama, and the welcome address was delivered by Menguno Koso, president of JWLCCS.
A special song was presented by Kemerü and Vierhe VLO, followed by a keynote address by Vilaseno Weo, MCLF Anchor-cum-AC IBCB, BMMU, RD Block Jakhama. Kezhoshenu, Executive Committee Member of JWLCCS, led the recitation of the society’s vision statement and presented key achievements for the fiscal year 2024–2025.
The financial report was presented by Beizono Neihu, treasurer, JWLCCS. Short speeches were also delivered by Vefüyi Vero, Inspector of Cooperative Societies, Kohima, Dil Naleo, Chairman of Khuzama Village Council and Shuyhunle Nyenthong, joint director RD.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Cholvile Sachü, vice president, JWLCCS.