Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 15 October 2024
In a concerted effort to promote rural development and strengthen community engagement, a Social Mobilization Camp-cum-Community Interaction programme was held at Pilpillow village, Kamorta, under Nancowry Block. The event was organized as part of the Deen Dayal Antyodaya – National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM), a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. The camp was conducted under the directives of the Directorate of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, with the support of the District Administration, Nicobar.
The Block Development Officer (BDO) of Nancowry chaired the event, which was attended by the village Captain, Headmen, and other public representatives of Pilpillow. Addressing the gathering, the BDO highlighted the critical role of women in fostering the socio-economic fabric of the community and emphasized the importance of empowering women through active participation in the Self-Help Group (SHG) movement.
The primary focus of the camp was to engage the women of Pilpillow village and discuss the potential of SHGs in promoting financial independence and livelihood activities. These SHGs are pivotal in fostering community bonding and enabling tribal women to take control of their economic futures.
Tribal women from the village actively participated in the discussions, showing great interest in the benefits of forming SHGs. They explored how these groups could help boost collective economic growth and create sustainable livelihoods for all members involved.
During the program, the BDO outlined key factors essential for the success of SHGs, such as unity, collaboration, and mutual support. He encouraged the women to make full use of the village’s resources and explore innovative ways to expand the activities of their SHGs. Additionally, the BDO briefed participants on the importance of financial support systems like the Revolving Fund, community investment funds, and the various marketing opportunities available to SHGs to enhance income.
The BDO also assured the gathering that the administration would continue to provide support by facilitating capacity-building programs and offering guidance to help SHGs function effectively in the region.
In addition to SHGs, discussions were held on other innovative models that could be adopted under various rural development programmes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY). It was emphasized that the government is actively working towards ensuring saturation in all government schemes under the Sampoornatha Abhiyan, as part of the Aspirational Block Programme. Community leaders were urged to encourage villagers to avail the benefits of these schemes.
Earlier, the Captain and Headmen of Pilpillow village welcomed the officials and expressed their gratitude for organizing the camp, noting that such initiatives are crucial for the overall development of the community.
This social mobilization camp marks a significant step in strengthening the SHG movement in Nancowry Block, laying a strong foundation for women’s economic empowerment and sustainable community development in the region.