Sitharaman Applauds Meghalaya’s Grassroots Progress in Health and Women’s Empowerment

Finance Minister hails drop in maternal mortality and SHG-driven entrepreneurship as models for inclusive development

SHILLONG — Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has praised the significant strides made by Meghalaya in public health and rural development, particularly highlighting the state’s remarkable reduction in maternal mortality as a key indicator of genuine, ground-level transformation.

During her visit to Laitkynsew village in East Khasi Hills, Sitharaman interacted with women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Lakhpati Didis, and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs). She commended their role in bringing about meaningful social and economic change, calling grassroots empowerment the foundation for realizing the national vision of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ (Together with all, Development for all).

“The progress in maternal health shows that schemes are not just reaching people—they’re working,” Sitharaman said, underscoring the effective implementation of both Central and State government initiatives. She thanked the state government for its warm hospitality and lauded its commitment to ensuring that welfare schemes reach every corner of this ecologically and culturally rich state.

Reflecting on her visits to Ri-Bhoi, one of India’s Aspirational Districts, and various engagements in Shillong, the Minister noted that Meghalaya’s development journey echoes Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. “Development must include everyone—men and women, young and old, rural and urban, rich and poor,” she said, stressing that inclusive growth should enable every citizen to pursue aspirations and live with dignity.

Sitharaman emphasized the Centre’s continued focus since 2014 on supporting women’s collectives through improved credit access, skill development, branding, and market linkages. She praised the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which aims to empower at least five women in every village to earn a sustainable annual income of ₹1 lakh.

“Motivation grows when success stories come from within the community,” she remarked. “The Prime Minister’s Lakhpati Didi programme has inspired women across the nation to dream big and take bold steps towards economic independence.”

The Minister reaffirmed the Centre’s full backing for Meghalaya’s ambitious vision of building a $30 billion economy by 2030, saying this aspiration aligns perfectly with India’s broader development roadmap. “Every village, every household must contribute to this vision. If Meghalaya succeeds, it will be a model for other states and a catalyst for India’s transformation into a developed nation by 2047,” she said.

An inspiring example of grassroots entrepreneurship was shared by Lahun Mary Blah from the Ieng Rasong SHG. She narrated her journey from a homemaker to a successful entrepreneur, which began with a ₹4,000 loan to sell clothes. With further support—a ₹10,000 cash credit loan for a clothing shop and a ₹1 lakh Community Investment Fund (CIF) loan from the Cluster Level Federation (CLF) in 2025—she expanded her ventures to include a tea stall and a flower boutique.

Mary revealed that her annual income has increased from ₹20,000 to ₹3.4 lakh, and she has built personal savings of over ₹4,000 in her SHG account. More importantly, her success has created employment opportunities in her village and transformed her confidence. “Beyond the money, I’ve discovered a new version of myself,” she said.

Sitharaman concluded her visit with a strong reaffirmation of the partnership between the Centre and the state. “The Government of India is determined to work shoulder-to-shoulder with Meghalaya in fulfilling its development aspirations,” she said, highlighting that empowered communities are key to building a truly inclusive and sustainable future.