Goa CM Hails Women-Led SHGs For Driving Rural Transformation: 'Stories Of Hope, Courage, Self-Reliance'
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday lauded the role of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in transforming rural Goa, crediting their efforts for driving social and economic progress across the state. Speaking at the State Level Bankers’ Conclave organised by the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission (GSRLM) in Panaji, the Chief Minister said these grassroots initiatives were reshaping lives and livelihoods.
Addressing the gathering, which included banking leaders, senior officials, and changemakers from SHGs, the Chief Minister commended GSRLM’s efforts in empowering rural communities. “These are not just numbers on paper. They represent women who chose to rise, to take charge of their livelihoods, and to inspire others around them,” he remarked.
According to Sawant, more than 3,250 SHGs have been established in Goa, impacting over 43,000 households. He described the SHGs as more than just financial collectives — calling them “stories of hope, courage, and self-reliance”.
Sawant also highlighted the progress of the Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana, launched in 2023 under the Swayampurna Goa Mission. As part of this initiative, 170 SHGs led by women have been empanelled, with 14 canteens already functioning in government offices.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant at the State Level Bankers’ Conclave organised by the Goa State Rural Livelihoods Mission (GSRLM) in Panaji.
The Chief Minister described these canteens as a model of “women-led development” that not only deliver clean and hygienic meals but also offer sustainable income opportunities to women in rural areas. He called the scheme a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Nari Shakti (women empowerment).
₹365 Crore in Credit for SHGs in 2024–25: Goa CM Pramod Sawant
Emphasising the significance of financial support in this transformation, Sawant noted that SHGs in Goa have received credit linkages worth over ₹365 crore during the 2024–25 financial year. This funding, he said, has helped rural women start small businesses, engage in farming, and provide service-based offerings.
He appealed to the banking sector to simplify credit access further and provide more robust support to SHGs, especially in the areas of digital education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. “When financial institutions walk alongside our rural women, real change begins,” he stated.
The Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s full commitment to strengthening SHGs and other community-led institutions. Concluding his address, he expressed optimism for Goa’s future, saying that each micro-enterprise born from these initiatives represents “a step toward dignity, confidence and a self-reliant future for Goa”.
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