Tripura, 07 April, 2025: The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has opened up a new horizon in the development of the state’s rural economy. Under this mission, thousands of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed currently, the number exceeds 50,000 across the state. Around 4.5 lakh women are now actively involved in economic activities through these SHGs.
Alongside managing their households, these women are contributing significantly to strengthening the financial foundation of their families by engaging in various forms of production. These women have taken up the production of essential goods and small-scale businesses that cater to daily needs. Such businesses require minimal capital, and with sincere effort, it’s not too difficult to see profits.
However, success demands dedication, focus, perseverance, hard work, and a bit of planning for marketing the products. Through TRLM, the state government has been consistently encouraging and supporting these SHGs in their entrepreneurial ventures. One of the government’s top priorities is the continuous empowerment and expansion of SHGs.
This initiative not only empowers women but also integrates them into the broader framework of economic development. The empowerment of women is not possible without economic progress, which in turn is closely tied to holistic development, dignity, and respect.
Thanks to constant government support and encouragement, many women in Tripura have now become “Lakhpati Didis” (women earning over a lakh rupees annually). For the financial year 2025–26, the government has set a target of turning an additional 1,14,000 SHG members into Lakhpati Didis.
This information was recently shared by TRLM CEO Ajit Shukladas during the inauguration of the second district-level SARAS Mela at the PWD ground in Kumarghat. To promote the marketing of SHG-produced goods and create awareness among the public, the government has been organizing SARAS Melas from the state level down to the district level. All eight districts have successfully conducted such fairs.
In Kumarghat subdivision of Unakoti district, women have shown great enthusiasm in joining SHGs and becoming self-reliant. So far, 1,621 SHGs have been formed in the subdivision, with a registered membership of 15,087 women. Additionally, many more women are indirectly involved in economic activities.
These include traditional Manipuri and tribal clothing production, agriculture, horticulture, fishery, animal husbandry, bakery, fast food, beauty parlors, small shops, home décor items, poultry farming, puffed rice production, pickle making, and more. Their products are in high demand for daily use, contributing to natural growth in their businesses.
According to the TRLM Kumarghat block office, 539 SHGs from the block availed loans in the 2024–25 fiscal year to expand their businesses, totaling Rs. 19.46 crore. Among them, 121 SHGs received loans in the first phase, 231 in the second phase, 158 in the third phase, and 26 and 3 in the fourth and fifth phases respectively.
To guide the SHGs effectively, there are 85 Village Organizations (VOs) under the Kumarghat block TRLM office, each overseeing multiple SHGs. These VOs operate under the supervision of six Cluster Level Federations (CLFs) in the block. This extensive rural campaign is accelerating economic activities in villages while also improving the socio-economic status of SHG members. As a result, 4,699 women in Kumarghat block alone have become Lakhpati Didis.
Recently, at the state-level SARAS Mela held at the International Fair Ground in Hapania, Agartala, Kumarghat block under TRLM was awarded for best product manufacturing. Their top product was sliced pineapple processed and packaged in tin cans, which has high market demand. They also showed expertise in processing bamboo shoots in tin cans.
These products are now being marketed under the “Sanjoj” brand. TRLM is playing a significant role in strengthening rural economies across the state by promoting SHGs. These groups have become catalysts for ensuring women’s income, helping them to establish themselves beyond household work and gain respect and self-worth.
