Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 24 July 2025
A six-day Orientation-cum-Assessment Programme for the Community Cadre and Staff of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission (ANIRLM) was inaugurated on June 23, 2025, by Mr. Arjun Sharma (IAS), Secretary (RD/Panchayati Raj), A&N Administration. The programme is being held at the Conference Hall of Tagore College of Education, Middle Point, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad.
The programme, scheduled from June 23 to 28, aims to build the capacity of Community Resource Persons (CRPs) and Block-level officials to strengthen Self Help Groups (SHGs) and their federations. The initiative also seeks to enhance financial literacy and promote economic inclusion among SHG members.
The inaugural session witnessed participation from over 150 Community Resource Persons and several dignitaries including Mrs. Lalita Tigga, BDO, C.D Block Ferrargunj; Mrs. Gurjeet Kaur, BDO, C.D Block Prothrapur; Mr. Kobbanna Venkateshwar Rao, Mission Manager, NRLM Resource Cell, NIRDPR, Hyderabad; and National Resource Persons Mr. Harish Vasishth, Mr. Ajaya Kumar Mohapatra, Mr. Sachin Bhagat, and Mr. Devendra Misra.
In his address, Mr. Arjun Sharma lauded the efforts of RD officials and community cadres in successfully implementing the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in the Union Territory. He noted the vibrancy of SHGs in the islands and emphasized the need to continue supporting livelihood interventions. He also commended the inclusion of financial literacy sessions in collaboration with the State Bank of India’s (SBI) – Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), Sri Vijaya Puram.
Welcoming the participants, Mrs. Lalita Tigga highlighted the significant achievements of the DAY-NRLM scheme in the islands. Mr. Kobbanna Venkateshwar Rao elaborated on the objectives of the programme, which includes sessions on poverty alleviation, social mobilization, inclusion, functioning of community-based organizations, gender issues, food and nutrition, financial literacy, and livelihood strategies.
The inaugural event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mrs. Gurjeet Kaur, who reiterated the importance of strengthening community-based organizations under the scheme. She emphasized the need for more such capacity-building initiatives in the UT with the continued support of NIRDPR, Hyderabad.
