10/09/2026
District-Level Coordination Meeting of BDS & SHG Federations Held at Hotel Hangkhim Namchi
The Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), under the Rural Development Department, organized a District-Level Coordination Meeting with Executive Committee (EC) Members of BDS & SHG Federations at Hotel Hangkhim, Gangtok. Centered around the theme "Stronger Institution, Stronger Communities, Sustainable Rural Development," the initiative focused on advancing financial independence, institutional strength, and community leadership across rural self-help networks.
Key Highlights & Proceedings
Leadership & Guests: The event was chaired by Chief Guest Shri Rewaj Chhetri, OSD to the Hon’ble Chief Minister (Skill Development & Entrepreneurship). Special Guests in attendance included Smt. Kala Pradhan (Chairperson, Food Processing Industries Dept.), Smt. Doma Lepcha (Chairperson, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Dept.), and Smt. Khus Maya Tamang (Chairperson, Water Resources Dept.).
Opening Ceremonies: Smt. Geeta Chhetri, BPM, Namchi Block, served as the Master of Ceremony and compered the session, which officially began with a welcome address delivered by Smt. Kala Pradhan.
Selection of 200 SHGs for Grant-in-Aid: Addressing the gathering, Shri Rewaj Chhetri emphasized the importance of overall upliftment and capacity building for SHG members. He announced the rollout of Grant-in-Aid for 200 eligible SHGs, emphasizing that selection will strictly adhere to prescribed eligibility criteria with total transparency and fairness.
Grievance Redressal & Interactive Session: During an open discussion, Shri Chhetri listened to representatives share their ground-level challenges, suggestions, and operational queries, assuring them that genuine grievances would be thoroughly examined and resolved.
Preparations for 2nd SHG Bharosa Sammelan: Representatives from BDS and SHG Federations actively participated in discussions to align operational strategies, resource planning, and inter-agency coordination ahead of the upcoming 2nd SHG Bharosa Sammelan.
Distinguished Speakers & Contributors
The session featured addresses from several key administration and federation leaders:
Shri Binod Nepal — BPM, Namchi District (BPM Sumbuk)
Smt. Srijana Sharma Sharma — President, Block Development Society (BDS)
Smt. Sangeeta Chhetri — President, Rateypani Federation
Smt. Banu Bhujel — Deputy Project Manager (IBCB)
Smt. Khus Maya Tamang — Chairperson, Water Resources Department
The program concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Shri Deepak Lamichaney, BPM, Ravangla, reaffirming the department's commitment to building strong, self-reliant rural institutions.
