The Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission (TULM) is a significant government initiative aimed at improving the livelihood opportunities and fostering economic self-reliance among the urban poor and unemployed population in the state. Functioning as a state-level implementing agency under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), TULM is actively working to empower individuals—especially women—who have long remained on the fringes of society due to financial, social, or educational barriers.
A shining example of this initiative is seen in the efforts undertaken by the Ranirbazar Municipal Council, under the Jirania Sub-Division, where the mission has taken up the noble responsibility of transforming lives—especially of economically disadvantaged women by providing them the tools and support needed for self-sufficiency. The mission supports the formation and development of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), facilitates skill enhancement, and creates avenues for self-employment, thereby enabling urban poor to become economically independent.
Building Foundations for Empowerment
TULM’s core objectives include:
Offering vocational and skill development training to unemployed youth. Assisting them in finding employment or starting their own ventures. Providing easy access to loans and subsidies to expand or initiate businesses. Strengthening urban SHGs through financial and technical support.
These efforts are aimed at creating sustainable income sources and enhancing the socio-economic fabric of the urban areas.
Ranirbazar’s Remarkable Progress
Ranirbazar has witnessed impressive developments under TULM:
182 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed, each functioning like a small family, not only focusing on income generation but also building leadership, confidence, and social dignity among women of different ages from homemakers to retired elderly women. 174 of these SHGs have already received ₹10,000 each as revolving funds amounting to a total of ₹17.4 lakh to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. Additionally, these groups have been provided with over ₹3.4 crore in loans, further strengthening their financial base and fueling various micro-businesses.
Capacity Building Through Skill Development
So far, 1,760 SHG members have been trained in diverse, life-sustaining skills such as:
Tailoring Food processing Artificial jewellery making Bakery item preparation Candle and incense stick making Bookkeeping Jute bag making Soap and soft toy crafting Bamboo crafts
These training programs go beyond skill-building they are laying down a clear, structured path to financial independence and self-respect.
Real Impact: From Learning to Earning
The women trained under TULM are now actively involved in producing and selling their handmade goods including jute bags, candles, incense sticks, processed foods, and bamboo products in local markets. Their efforts are not just contributing to household incomes but are also symbolizing a larger transformation of identity, purpose, and pride.
One of the standout groups, the Shyamprasad SHG, recently participated in a national-level fair in Delhi, where they exhibited and sold their handcrafted products. The group received overwhelming appreciation from visitors and buyers for their creativity and craftsmanship. This was not just a commercial success but a powerful representation of Tripura’s potential and the resilience of its women.
A Movement Beyond Economics
Today, these 182 SHGs are more than just collectives they are the symbol of a socio-economic movement in Ranirbazar. With consistent monitoring, encouragement, and support from the Municipal Council and TULM, these groups are helping women reclaim their identity, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to both family and society.
This initiative is not just helping women become financially self-reliant it is guiding them toward self-discovery. They are no longer seen as burdens on their families; rather, they are breadwinners and changemakers who, amidst their daily household responsibilities, are steadily illuminating the path of self-sufficiency and dignity.
Ranirbazar’s Self-Help Groups have become torchbearers of change. Their unwavering determination, supported by TULM, proves that with the right opportunities and support, even the most marginalized can rise, lead, and inspire.
