The Saksham Centre at Zukhumki Federation under Chukitong Block was inaugurated on February 23 in the presence of Federation Executive Committee members, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, FICC representatives, officials from BMMU and DMMU, and other invited dignitaries. The programme recorded the participation of around 60 members, marking a significant milestone for the federation and the community.
The Saksham Centre has been established under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) through Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM), BMMU RD, Chukitong Block.
The inaugural programme was chaired by Lucy Kikon, President of Zukhumki Federation. The invocation prayer was led by Zubeni Yimkha, EC Member, followed by a welcome address delivered by Ajanbeni Kikon, Block Level Sub-Committee Convenor.
Delivering the introductory note, Chonbemo Kikon, ACFI, highlighted the vision and objectives behind the establishment of the Saksham Centre. He informed that banks have financed ₹7.81 crore to NRLM SHGs in Wokha district. Emphasising the role of Cluster Level Federations (CLFs), he stated that CLFs are the largest organisations at the block level and urged women members not to miss the opportunity, describing them as institutions where women actively participate in decision-making processes.
Block Programme Manager (BPM) Janthungbemo N Ezung presented the journey of institution-building in the block under the mission, sharing how sustained efforts were made to strengthen community institutions from SHGs to CLFs. He acknowledged the contribution of both former and present leaders in achieving milestones in strengthening community institutions and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Sharing field experiences, S Pideno Lotha, Bima Sakhi, spoke on her role under FICC. Saksham Manager K Ajano Lotha highlighted the importance of the Saksham Centre and sought cooperation from all stakeholders to ensure its smooth functioning.
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Imlikala, Branch Manager of Nagaland Rural Bank (NRB), Wokha, in her address underscored the interconnection between banks and CLFs, stating that both prioritise financial services for the community and individual members. Expressing trust in the NRLM mission, she conveyed confidence in extending loans to NRLM SHGs, citing the mission’s rigorous monitoring system and sound bookkeeping practices.
The District Coordinator for Financial Inclusion (DCFI) also informed that the Saksham Centre inaugurated at Chukitong is the seventh such centre to be established in Wokha district.
The programme concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment towards strengthening the Saksham Centre. The benediction prayer was pronounced by Lumbeni Ngullie, Treasurer of Zukhumki Federation.
