Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Tuesday advised cooperative institutions and banks to “think out of the box” and play a proactive role in empowering rural communities, especially women self-help groups (SHGs).
Addressing a meeting of the Tripura State Cooperative Bank (TSCB) at the Secretariat conference hall, the Chief Minister underlined Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a Vikshit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat through women-led development.
He stressed that banks must simplify loan procedures for SHGs that maintain good repayment records and ensure timely credit flow to promote self-reliance among rural women. Emphasising skill development, the Chief Minister called for stronger coordination between banks, Large Area Multi-Purpose Societies (LAMPS) and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to support livelihood initiatives.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed TSCB’s management systems and trade-related targets. Minister of Cooperation Shuklacharan Noatia briefed the Chief Minister on the functioning of LAMPS and PACS, while TSCB Chairman N. Datta and Managing Director presented future plans.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister chaired a review meeting of the Tripura State Cooperative Market Federation Limited (MARKFED). He advised MARKFED to open new branches to speed up operations and highlighted the state government’s commitment to supporting PSUs for employment generation through coordinated strategies. Senior officials, including Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, attended both meetings.