Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on October 27 called for greater support from banks to empower women entrepreneurs as he inaugurated the 18th Saras Aajeevika Mela 2026 at the City Convention Centre in Imphal.
The mela, being held from October 27 to November 6, features more than 100 stalls displaying products made by women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
Addressing the gathering, Khemchand Singh said Manipur had around 26,000 Lakhpati Didis and aimed to increase the number to one lakh by 2029. He stressed that achieving the target would require active support and cooperation from banks.
The chief minister said the average loan default rate among SHGs across India stood at around 5 per cent, compared with 2 per cent in Manipur. He said the figures reflected the state’s repayment record and highlighted the importance of financial institutions in supporting women-led businesses.
Recalling women’s contributions to Manipur’s history and economy, Khemchand Singh referred to the Nupi Lal movements against British rule and highlighted women’s continuing role in the state’s socio-political life. He also cited Imphal’s Ima Market, run exclusively by women, as an example of their contribution to the economy through the sale of essential commodities and other products.
The chief minister commended the staff of the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) for their efforts to promote rural livelihoods and support women entrepreneurs.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen, who joined the programme through video conferencing, described the Sale of Articles of Rural Artisans Society (SARAS) as a flagship market-promotion initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
She said SARAS melas enabled SHGs to showcase and sell their products, connect with customers and explore wider business opportunities.
Commissioner of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Sumant Singh said research on women’s participation in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) had placed Manipur first in terms of women-owned businesses.
He said such fairs could raise SHG members’ incomes by encouraging rural entrepreneurship, strengthening market linkages and promoting product innovation.
An interactive session was also held with Lakhpati Didis, who shared their experiences and appreciated the support provided by MSRLM in developing their businesses and sustaining their livelihoods.
The chief minister later inspected the stalls displaying a range of products manufactured by SHG members.
The inaugural programme was attended by the State Mission Director of MSRLM, a NABARD general manager, bankers, SHG members, Lakhpati Didis and MSRLM staff, among others.
