The 42nd Foundation Day of NABARD was celebrated today in the Ashirvad hall of Raj Bhavan, Sikkim on which occasion, a number of developmental activities were organised by NABARD Sikkim RO. While Laxman Prasad Acharya, Governor of Sikkim was the Chief Guest on the occasion, Sonam Lama, Minister, Cooperation Department, Ecclesiastical Department and Rural Development Department, GoS was the Guest of Honour.
Sanjay Kumar Gupta, General Manager cum OIC, NABARD, Sikkim, in his address, while touching upon the broad mandate of NABARD concerning rural development of the country, underlined the objectives of the today’s programme, highlighted various developmental initiatives and projects undertaken by NABARD in the state during 2022-23 as thought leader for development of rural economy and underlined NABARD’s major priorities for the current year.
The programme witnessed organising of various developmental activities, viz, conduct of a knowledge and information sharing session for the functionaries of PRIs on infrastructure development and other important schemes and policy thrusts of GoI/NABARD; a presentation on NABARD’s interventions/priorities in/for the State; release of booklets – Driving Agriculture and Rural development in Sikkim – 2022-23 and Unit Cost for financing of investment activities by Banks under agriculture and allied sectors; showcasing of live demonstration of functioning of micro-ATM/banking Kiosk; performance of a Nukkad Natak in folk language on financial and digital inclusion, experience sharing by project beneficiaries of a few of NABARD’s developmental interventions; execution of MoU with SRLM to effect a holistic growth of SHGs in Sikkim.
Sonam Lama, Minister, Dept. of Cooperation, Ecclesiastical and Rural Development, in his address congratulated NABARD for completing 41 years in the service of the nation and 37 years serving the state of Sikkim. He also expressed his appreciation for the initiative taken for signing of MoU between NABARD and SRLM, Sikkim for providing holistic support to SHGs for their transition to micro-enterprises as envisioned under DAY-NRLM. He urged all other stakeholder departments to come forward and do their parts in supporting the SHGs of the state to develop to their fullest potential.
The Governor of Sikkim in his keynote address, congratulated NABARD for completing 41 years of service to the nation and appreciated the initiative to conduct a workshop for elected members of PRIs. He underlined the significant contribution made by NABARD to bring about rural development and alignment of its initiatives with the principles of Mahatma Gandhi promoting self-sufficiency and empowerment of grassroots levels. He mentioned that during his interactions and visits to SHGs at various parts of the state, he has underlined the need of showcasing of unique products of SHGs of the state at national/ international markets. Appreciating NABARD’s policies he applauded NABARD’s efforts towards upliftment of women in rural areas.
