The Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), in collaboration with the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NStCB), observed International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action” at the MMC Conference Hall. The event also featured a seminar on “Investing to Transform” aimed at empowering women through financial literacy and support.
Guest speakers for the event included Dr. Temjenmenla, District Horticulture Officer, Mokokchung; Imtiyapang, Councillor and Board of Director of NStCB; and Temsulepden Imchen, Branch Manager of NStCB Mokokchung.
In her address, Dr. Temjenmenla emphasized the significance of International Women’s Day, which was first recognized by the United Nations in 1975, and highlighted this year’s theme “Accelerate Action.” She stressed the importance of fast-tracking gender equality through increased opportunities in education, employment, and economic development for women.
Focusing on women empowerment, she encouraged women to venture into enterprises that could boost both their financial independence and local economy. Dr. Temjenmenla suggested six key enterprise options for women from Horticulture:
Vegetable Farming: She highlighted vegetable farming as a sustainable income-generation activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle and ensures a constant flow of revenue.
Nursery Establishment: She encouraged women to venture into plant nurseries, as there is significant demand for various plants and saplings across the state.
Floriculture Sector: Stressing the growing market demand for flowers, she encouraged women to engage in floriculture not only for home beautification but also as a source of income. The department is ready to assist women with seeds, planting materials and technical support. She encouraged for Mokokchung Flower Growers Associations.
Vermi Composting: She suggested vermi composting as a low-cost, high-return enterprise that supports organic farming and soil conservation. The department provides technical assistance for setting up composting units.
Mushroom Cultivation: Highlighting the health benefits and growing market for mushrooms, she encouraged women to start mushroom farming, which requires minimal investment but yields high returns. She informed that mushroom spawns are readily available at the Horticulture Department Office for those interested in mushroom cultivation.
Food Processing: Dr. Temjenmenla pointed out the potential of food processing in Mokokchung, citing examples like producing pickles, jams, squashes, and fruit products from locally available raw materials to reduce wastage and increase income.
She further encouraged women to take advantage of various government schemes like Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative Scheme (CMFIS) for financial assistance and capacity building. She concluded by urging women to become financially independent, contribute to their families, and uplift their communities with sincerity and dedication.
Imtiyapang, Councillor and Board of Director, NStCB while addressing the gathering emphasized the critical role of women in Mokokchung’s economy, noting that around 90% of small businesses and street vendors in the town are women stating “you are the backbone of Mokokchung economy.” He acknowledged the collaboration between Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) and Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NStCB) over the past years in promoting financial assistance for women entrepreneurs.
He highlighted that NStCB is the second largest bank in Nagaland, with 23 branches across almost all districts, except the newly formed ones. The bank was established in 1966 under the Nagaland State Cooperative Societies Act. In Mokokchung district, NStCB has three branches located in Mokokchung Town, Changtongya, and Tuli.
He said that NStCB is a community-owned bank where 60% of its shares belong to the Nagaland State Government and various cooperative societies and shareholders. He noted that it is one of the safest banks to do business or invest in it. Assuring the participants of the bank’s commitment to women empowerment, he stated that the bank is always ready to provide financial support to women entrepreneurs through low-interest loans and hassle-free financial assistance.
He emphasized the importance of overcoming economic insecurity among women and assured that the bank is working to create easy access to loans, fostering financial independence for women. He urged women to come forward, form self-help groups, interested individuals and take advantage of the financial services provided by the bank to start and sustain their businesses.
Temsulepden Imchen, in his address, emphasized the importance of financial literacy and proper money management. He urged women to adopt the habit of saving, highlighting that distinguishing between needs and wants is essential for financial stability.
He pointed out that many individuals face economic insecurity due to a lack of systematic financial planning and encouraged women to engage in consistent and organized financial management.
Temsulepden Imchen emphasized three major financial schemes provided by the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NStCB) that could significantly benefit women entrepreneurs: the General Credit Card (GCC), the Joint Liability Group (JLG), and the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative Scheme (CMFIS).
Highlighting the importance of supporting small businesses, Temsulepden introduced the General Credit Card (GCC) as a financial solution for individuals engaged in small-scale businesses such as pan shops, pharmacies, and similar enterprises. He informed that the loan amount under the GCC is initially limited to ₹50,000, with the option for renewal and enhancement up to ₹1 lakh, at an annual interest rate of 9%.However, beneficiaries applying for the General Credit Card (GCC) must possess a valid trade permit license. He explained that the primary objective of the GCC is to provide easy and affordable credit access to small and marginal business owners.
Temsulepden further elaborated on the Joint Liability Group (JLG) scheme, similar to Self-Help Groups (SHGs), designed to provide collateral-free loans to small-scale entrepreneurs through group-based lending. Unlike SHGs, a JLG requires a minimum of 4 members, each possessing a PAN card, Aadhaar card, and Election card to avail the loan. The group can initially avail up to ₹2 lakh, with the potential to expand the loan up to ₹10 lakh with an interest rate of 12% per annum. An account will be opened in the group’s name, and members collectively share the responsibility for repayment, ensuring easy credit access.
In addition to GCC and JLG, Temsulepden emphasized the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative Scheme (CMFIS), a state-level, government-sponsored scheme aimed at providing low-interest loans to small entrepreneurs, to promote self-reliance and economic independence. He highlighted that the scheme offers a 30% subsidy and allows individuals to apply for loans for any viable project. Interested applicants can visit the DC office, where a dedicated chamber for this initiative has been set up.
The Keynote Address was delivered by Lanuakum, Deputy Chairperson of MMC, who emphasized the importance of International Women’s Day in celebrating women’s achievements and fostering mutual support and inspiration. Highlighting the growing role of women in Nagaland, he acknowledged their contributions in sectors like politics, business, agriculture, and education.
Quoting, “Women are the architects of society,” he encouraged women to mold, inspire, and uplift society. Reflecting on Mokokchung’s scenario, he noted that women play a vital role in driving progress across various fields, contributing significantly to the community’s growth.
The highlight of the program was the formal handing over of loan forms to 20 beneficiaries inclusivity of all wards of Mokokchung Town.
Imtimenla, Councillor chaired the program. The invocation prayer was offered by Imlisenla, Secretary of Penli Watsü Telen. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Maongtula, Councillor, MMC, followed by a discussion hour that allowed participants to interact with officials and speakers.
