Agartala, November 08, 2025: In a bid to foster economic independence among women, both the central and state governments have extended support to women-led self-help groups (SHGs) across Tripura, aligning with the national vision of building an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India).

A significant step in this direction was marked by a Mega Financial Inclusion Camp held at Tepania and organized by the Tepania Block Development Office on Friday. The participants were various line departments, Bagma Agri CFL, Bankers under Tepania RD Block, LDM Gomati, DIC, Health Camp was arranged by Hepatitis Foundation Tripura (Udaipur Branch).

The event brought together mothers from various SHGs to explore pathways to financial self-sufficiency. The forum was inaugurated with a ceremonial lamp lighting by Block Development Officer Dibyashree Dasgupta, Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Jharna Rani Das, Vice Chairperson Ram Chandra Debnath, and officials from multiple banks and government departments.

Addressing the gathering, BDO Dibyashree Dasgupta emphasized the state government’s commitment to empowering women through financial inclusion. “Our aim is to help mothers stand on their own feet. Through SHGs and access to institutional credit, women are becoming economically self-reliant,” she said.

The session focused on how women can leverage bank loans to initiate small enterprises. Representatives from several banks and departments discussed loan procedures, eligibility, and support mechanisms. Notably, financial assistance was extended during the event: Tripura State Cooperative Bank sanctioned Rs 2 lakh to Suren Jamatia; Tripura Gramin Bank provided Rs 6 lakh to Darpan and Jan SHG groups; and Netaji and Dalia SHG groups received Rs 9 lakh in loans.

Dasgupta also highlighted the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), encouraging youth above 18 years to apply for financial aid to start ventures in manufacturing, services, or trade. She clarified that there is no income cap for applicants. For projects exceeding Rs 10 lakh in manufacturing or Rs 5 lakh in services/trade, candidates must have passed at least Class VIII.

Various departments including Fisheries, Animal Resources and Industries have also pledged support to help unemployed youth in Tripura become self-reliant. Banks set up stalls at the venue to address queries and resolve issues faced by SHG members.