Port Blair, March 8: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands Rural Livelihood Mission (ANIRLM) attached to Directorate of RD, PRIs and ULBs, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, Port Blair celebrated “International Women’s Day” in the State Panchayat Resource Center Training Hall of the Directorate. Smti. Deepika Jindal was the Chief Guest for the function.

The women staff of Rural Development Department along with others from numerous Self Help Groups lit the hall with their presence.

The Secretary (RD/Panch) in his brief address to the gathering pointed the achievements of women in various sectors for the development of society. He encouraged the women to come forward to avail the benefits under various schemes being implemented by the Government of India. Highlighting the various assistance provided to the rural poor women of these islands through implementation of MGNREGA, DAY-NRLM, SBM-G and PMAY-G, he expressed his happiness on the active participation of rural ladies in social activities such as cleanliness drive, mask making during the COVID-9 pandemic. The Secretary (RD/Panch) appreciated the cloth bag making as a replacement to poly bags by SHGs as well as contribution of women towards development under MGNREGA. Further it has been assured to provide all necessary support to the rural poor ladies through the Rural Development Department to empower them and provide Socio - Economic Security.   

The Director (RD/P) in his address informed the gathering that more than 40000 rural ladies are attached with implementation of RD Schemes and are contributing in the overall development of their areas. He motivated the women to come forward to avail the benefits provided under Rural Development Programmes.

The best performing CRPs and SHG who have come up with better livelihood with the implementation of DAY-NRLM under Ferrargunj and Prothrapur Blocks of South Andaman District and also the SHGs who have performed better during the two days “SHG MELA” under DAY-NRLM organized at Marina Park, Port Blair with maximum sale of their items were felicitated by the Chief Guest. The First best performing SHG Stall was awarded with cash prize of Rs.5,100/-, whereas the Second and Third best performing SHG Stall were awarded with Rs.3,100/- and Rs.2,100/- respectively.