News & Announcement
BDS and SHG Federations Convene for District-Level Coordination Meeting in Namchi
Namchi, September 9 (IPR): The State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), under the aegis of the Rural Development Department, Government of Sikkim, organised a district-level coordination meeting with the executive members of Block Development Societies (BDS) and Self Help Group (SHG) Federations at a local hotel in Namchi today.
The meeting was attended by Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mr Rewaj Chettri as the Chief Guest, along with Chairperson Food Processing Industries, Ms Kala Pradhan, Chairperson Water Resources Department Ms Khus Maya Tamang, Chairperson Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Ms Doma Lepcha and Deputy Project Manager (SMMU) Ms Banu Bhujel.
Addressing the gathering, OSD Mr Rewaj Chettri emphasised the importance of coordination, cooperation and active participation among BDS and SHG members for the overall growth and development of the SHG fraternity. He stated that the State Government has consistently adopted a transparent and inclusive approach towards ensuring that the benefits of various schemes and initiatives reach eligible beneficiaries.
He highlighted the growing role of SHGs in representing Sikkim on national platforms and noted that various departments have been extending assistance and support to SHGs through different schemes based on their requirements.
Speaking about the upcoming 2nd SHG Bharosa Sammelan, the OSD informed that 200 SHGs will be provided grant-in-aid assistance of ₹2 lakh each under the initiative of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. He stated that the required budgetary provision has already been made under the financial year 2026–27.
He further highlighted the selection parameters and criteria for identifying the beneficiary SHGs and urged members of the selection committees to ensure a fair, transparent and unbiased selection process. He also encouraged the BDS and Federations to convene at least two committee meetings every year and urged all members to make optimum use of the resources, schemes and departmental assistance available for their growth and development.
Chairperson Water Resources Department Ms Khus Maya Tamang, shared her experiences from her early days as an SHG member and appreciated the State Government’s initiatives aimed at empowering women and facilitating their participation in various official positions.
She encouraged SHG members to actively participate in government programmes and initiatives, highlighting the importance of collective participation in strengthening the SHG movement. She also urged members to avail themselves of the benefits available through various government schemes.
DPM (SMMU) Ms Banu Bhujel stated that the upcoming SHG Bharosa Sammelan would serve as a motivating platform for SHGs to work with greater dedication, mobilisation and participation. She encouraged SHGs that may not be selected for the grant-in-aid this year not to feel discouraged, but instead to strive towards better performance and emerge as strong contenders for recognition and assistance in subsequent editions.
BPM (SRLM) Mr Binod Nepal expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continued support towards the development and empowerment of SHGs and their members. He underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation among SHGs for inclusive development and encouraged members to approach the department and concerned officials whenever they require guidance or assistance.
President, BDS Namchi Block Ms Srijana Sharma, stressed the importance of meticulous planning for the upcoming SHG Bharosa Sammelan. She called for the identification of gaps and shortcomings from the previous edition so that they could be addressed and avoided in the forthcoming event. She also urged members to remain cautious of rumours and misinformation that could adversely affect the functioning of BDS, Federations and SHGs.
President, Rateypani Federation Ms Sangita Chettri, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continued support and encouragement towards SHGs. Drawing from her own experiences as an SHG member, she emphasised that SHGs should also focus on the development and welfare of their respective localities and communities at the grassroots level.
Earlier, the gathering observed a moment of tribute in memory of the late Bishnu Maya Sharma, President, BDS Jorethang Block.
Also present were BPMs, APMs and MIS personnel from SRLM (RDD), along with BDS Presidents, Federation Presidents and members representing various SHGs.
The meeting was attended by Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mr Rewaj Chettri as the Chief Guest, along with Chairperson Food Processing Industries, Ms Kala Pradhan, Chairperson Water Resources Department Ms Khus Maya Tamang, Chairperson Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Ms Doma Lepcha and Deputy Project Manager (SMMU) Ms Banu Bhujel.
Addressing the gathering, OSD Mr Rewaj Chettri emphasised the importance of coordination, cooperation and active participation among BDS and SHG members for the overall growth and development of the SHG fraternity. He stated that the State Government has consistently adopted a transparent and inclusive approach towards ensuring that the benefits of various schemes and initiatives reach eligible beneficiaries.
He highlighted the growing role of SHGs in representing Sikkim on national platforms and noted that various departments have been extending assistance and support to SHGs through different schemes based on their requirements.
Speaking about the upcoming 2nd SHG Bharosa Sammelan, the OSD informed that 200 SHGs will be provided grant-in-aid assistance of ₹2 lakh each under the initiative of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang. He stated that the required budgetary provision has already been made under the financial year 2026–27.
He further highlighted the selection parameters and criteria for identifying the beneficiary SHGs and urged members of the selection committees to ensure a fair, transparent and unbiased selection process. He also encouraged the BDS and Federations to convene at least two committee meetings every year and urged all members to make optimum use of the resources, schemes and departmental assistance available for their growth and development.
Chairperson Water Resources Department Ms Khus Maya Tamang, shared her experiences from her early days as an SHG member and appreciated the State Government’s initiatives aimed at empowering women and facilitating their participation in various official positions.
She encouraged SHG members to actively participate in government programmes and initiatives, highlighting the importance of collective participation in strengthening the SHG movement. She also urged members to avail themselves of the benefits available through various government schemes.
DPM (SMMU) Ms Banu Bhujel stated that the upcoming SHG Bharosa Sammelan would serve as a motivating platform for SHGs to work with greater dedication, mobilisation and participation. She encouraged SHGs that may not be selected for the grant-in-aid this year not to feel discouraged, but instead to strive towards better performance and emerge as strong contenders for recognition and assistance in subsequent editions.
BPM (SRLM) Mr Binod Nepal expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continued support towards the development and empowerment of SHGs and their members. He underscored the importance of coordination and cooperation among SHGs for inclusive development and encouraged members to approach the department and concerned officials whenever they require guidance or assistance.
President, BDS Namchi Block Ms Srijana Sharma, stressed the importance of meticulous planning for the upcoming SHG Bharosa Sammelan. She called for the identification of gaps and shortcomings from the previous edition so that they could be addressed and avoided in the forthcoming event. She also urged members to remain cautious of rumours and misinformation that could adversely affect the functioning of BDS, Federations and SHGs.
President, Rateypani Federation Ms Sangita Chettri, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister for his continued support and encouragement towards SHGs. Drawing from her own experiences as an SHG member, she emphasised that SHGs should also focus on the development and welfare of their respective localities and communities at the grassroots level.
Earlier, the gathering observed a moment of tribute in memory of the late Bishnu Maya Sharma, President, BDS Jorethang Block.
Also present were BPMs, APMs and MIS personnel from SRLM (RDD), along with BDS Presidents, Federation Presidents and members representing various SHGs.
