A village level sensitization programme on National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) was held on November 12 at town hall, Jakhama for villages under RD block, Jakhama, Kohima district.
The programme was attended by key stakeholders including officials of the block administration under RD, representatives from Self Help Groups, village councils, VDBs, Church and organizations from 12 villages.
Giving the keynote address, Visasolie Lhoungu, chief executive officer, NSRLM explained features of NRLM, while informing that Jakhama Block has been selected as the intensive resource block for Kohima district.
Elucidating on the implications of being a resource block, he stated that one block has been identified from each of the 9 districts under NRLM to be the intensive resource block for the district concerned and pilot programmes would be anchored in these blocks.
Lhoungu briefed the gathering on how NRLM came about as a result of thorough research by a team of experts on reasons why poverty alleviation programmes were failing to address the actual needs of rural poor, and the solutions thereof.
In this context, he stated that under NRLM, focus would be on Self Help Groups comprising of one female member from one family.
He explained that this was mandated by the central government under the belief that uplifting a woman would mean uplifting the entire family.
He further called for cooperation and coordination among all key stakeholders for the success of the programme.
Presenting an overview of NRLM, Menuoneituo Chadi, state project manager, NSRLM the importance of SHGs in this programme, and informed that in the first phase of the programme, 150 new SHGs would be set up under Jakhama block and existing SHGs would be identified.
He stated that SHGs would be nurtured and trainings would be imparted to interested members of SHGs to take up livelihood projects.
He also spoke about the RSETI (Rural Self Employment Training Institute) programme wherein, interested youths would receive skill-based trainings free of cost, and also be considered for placements outside the state.
The programme was chaired by Ruokuozelie Usou, BDO Jakhama and invocation was led by Rev. Zapovil Sophie. Area Coordinators NSRLM Kevitisu Yhome and Keneiso Belho gave the welcome note and vote of thanks respectively.