Agartala, January 31, 2026: In the quiet villages of South Tripura, a collective of women has become the face of transformation. The Bharatmata Model Cluster Level Federation (MCLF), formed in August 2023, has united 273 Self Help Groups (SHGs) under one vision—empowering rural women through financial independence, sustainable livelihoods, and social inclusion.

From its inception, Bharatmata MCLF emphasized financial literacy. Every SHG opened bank accounts, while members were trained in savings, bookkeeping, digital banking, and insurance. The timely settlement of an insurance claim for member Dipu Majumdar’s family strengthened trust in formal financial systems, showcasing the federation’s commitment to security and transparency.

The federation’s support has enabled women to move beyond subsistence. Taposhi Debnath earned ₹90,000 in one season through watermelon cultivation. Milu Bardhan turned her namkeen-making passion into a thriving business, now earning ₹16,000 a month. Mira Shil expanded a small poultry venture into a profitable enterprise with MCLF loans.

Each success story reflects how collective strength is reshaping rural economies.

Beyond livelihoods, Bharatmata MCLF has led impactful social programs. During the floods of August 2024, it organized relief for 100 families. It also launched a Kapda Bank to distribute clothes to the needy and installed a free sanitary napkin vending machine during its AGM in July 2025, promoting women’s health and dignity.

Today, Bharatmata MCLF stands as a beacon of empowerment in South Tripura. By turning challenges into opportunities, it demonstrates how organized women’s collectives can drive lasting transformation—moving communities from dependence to empowerment.