Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji

Panaji, Apr 29: In a push to promote women’s financial empowerment and rural entrepreneurship, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant inaugurated a Maha Loan Mela organised under the Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission at Navelim Panchayat in Sankhali.

The initiative, held in collaboration with partner banks and financial institutions, brought together women entrepreneurs and members of various self-help groups (SHGs), offering access to financial assistance and business support.

Sawant lauded the Surabhi MCLF Co-operative Multipurpose Society and participating institutions for supporting the programme, describing it as a step towards strengthening women-led economic activity in rural areas.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the initiative would boost “Nari Shakti” by improving access to finance, facilitating on-the-spot banking support and creating opportunities for women to establish and expand ventures in sectors such as tailoring, food processing, dairy and agriculture.

“When women rise, Goa rises. We are working towards a Swayampurna Goa and Viksit Bharat by creating opportunities for financial independence and rural entrepreneurship,” he said.

Sawant said the government is focused on building a strong ecosystem for rural enterprises through institutional backing, technical guidance and market linkages to help women-led businesses grow sustainably.