Panaji: Addressing the State Level Bankers’ conclave on Tuesday, Goa chief minister Pramod Sawant said that the financial institution in the state has played a vital role in financing self help groups in the state.
Sawant addressed the stat level bankers’ conclave organised by Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM) in Panaji. The conclave brought together senior officials, banking leaders and grassroots change makers especially women from Self Help Groups to reflect on the journey of inclusive rural development in Goa.
The chief minister said that during fiscal 24-25, Self Help Groups in Goa received credit linkage worth Rs 365 crore which has empowered thousands of women to start small enterprises, take up farming and launch service based businesses in the state.
The financial institutions have played a vital role in the journey of these self help groups, he said.
Sawant praised the efforts of the GSRLM in transforming lives at the grassroots. He said that that over 3,250 Self Help Groups have been formed, positively impacting more than 43,000 households across the state.
“These groups are not just financial entities they are stories of hope, courage, and self reliance. 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 said.
Speaking about Mukhyamantri Annapurna Yojana launched in 2023 as a part of the Swayampurna Goa Mission, the chief minister said that under this initiative, 170 women led SHGs have been empanelled and 14 canteens are already operational in government offices.
“These canteens provide hygienic food while offering stable income opportunities to rural women,” he said.
The chief minister appealed bankers to further simplify credit access and increase handholding for SHGs, especially in the areas of digital literacy, financial awareness, and entrepreneurship.
“When financial institutions walk alongside our rural women, real change begins,” he commented.
Sawant said that the state government is committed to strengthening SHGs and community led institutions.
He concluded with a message of optimism and pride that each micro enterprise launched through these groups is a step toward dignity, confidence and a self reliant future for Goa.
