Solar lamps distributed to 1000 SHG members
Green Micro-Finance launched at Makhan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 22 2010: With the twin objective of keeping the environment clean and providing accessibility to power under small credits, Chief Secretary DS Poonia has launched Green Micro-Finance at Makhan village today.

Moreover, solar lamps have been distributed to 1000 members of Self Help Groups under the same programme.

The Green Micro Finance programme was launched after 600 SHGs were formed in 120 villages of Senapati, Churachandpur and Imphal East districts followed by implementation of several income generating schemes under the aegis of the Weaker Section Development Society�Initiate Manipur.

The programme is aimed at enabling villagers to tap solar energy even if electricity supply is unavailable to them.

Chief Secretary DS Poonia displays a solar lamp during the function

The SHGs were provided solar lamps with loans taken from the Friends of Women World Banking India and Small Scale Industrial Development Bank of India.

Each solar lamp costs Rs 1800.In case any of the SHG members lose the solar lamp within six months, they should repay Rs 300 .

Speaking at the solar lamp distribution function as chief guest, Chief Secretary DS Poonia said that the Government has already considered paying more attention to SHGs.

To provide greater financial assistance to SHGs, more funds would be earmarked in the State budget.

He also sought suggestion from all relevant groups to make the Government initiative more successful.

Interacting with the VIPs and State officials during the programme, SHG members pointed out that banana chips have become a popular snack item in the State.

However, the same item is being imported from outside the State in large quantities even as Manipur produce substantial quantity of banana.

They expressed their keen desire to procure machines for making banana chips and also Government grants to SHGs.

The interaction programme was attended by SHG members of Senapati, Churachandpur and Imphal East districts.

Taking part in the interaction, Chief Secretary DS Poonia said that the Government's financial assistance to SHGs would include certain percentage as grant.

He agreed that SHGs can earn more profit if their products are properly processed and produced in attractive manner.

Saying that the road leading to Makhan village from NH 39 would be black-topped and a market shed would be constructed, the Chief Secretary asked the villagers to fix the area of building a market shed.

The launching function Green Micro-Finance was presided by Horticulture Commissioner Moses Chalai.

DC Senapati, SP Senapati, MANIREDA Director and other officials were present at the function.

In addition to traditional dances presented by villagers, the launching function also featured an exhibition of the articles produced by SHGs.