Urban Development Department Organises Training Programme for Self-Help Groups

Mr Bhoj Raj Rai, Minister, Urban Development Department graced the programme as the Chief Guest and was accompanied by Mr M T Sherpa (IAS), Secretary UDD, President and Vice President of Namchi Municipal Council, President Nayabazar Jorethang Nagar Panchayat, Councillors from Namchi Municipal Council, Nayabazar Jorethang Nagar Panchayat and Gyalshing Nagar Panchayat, MEOs from Namchi, Jorethang and Gyalshing and officers and officials from UDD.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the fact that Swachh Sahar Abhiyan is a state initiative derived from the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and works to promote cleanliness to the mass of the state. He urged all the members of SHGs to impart the knowledge gained today and aware the public about cleanliness. The minister also highlighted the fact that financial aid to all SHGs will be given to them provided that they utilise the incentive in a positive manner to promote cleanliness in their respective areas.

The Minister also urged the SHGs to promote their workings through social media platforms so that the works can be recognised in at a national platform. He also announced that outstanding SHG from the state will be provided with a national tour so that it may promote each SHGs to work diligently. He also thanked each and everyone in making the programme a success.

The Secretary while addressing the gathering highlighted the fact that Swachh Sahar Abhiyan is a pivotal initiative that promotes cleanliness in the state and empowers women in general. He also addressed that waste management should be implemented by the SHGs and further utilise it to make it as a source of income. He also highlighted the fact that SHGs should come forward and start patroling their respective areas and promote cleanliness. Talking about waste management, the Secretary also urged that waste should be disposed or recycled using scientific methods. Further he urged all to implement the knowledge that they gain through the training in their local areas and strive for a clean area.

Mrs Jerusha Joy Shrestha, Joint Secretary, SBM UDD, gave a powerpoint presentation on Solid Waste Management Rules 2016 and Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016.

Mr Damber Tamang, Nodal Officer SBM Jorethang, gave his presentation on Issues and Current Scenario faced in Waste Management. He also highlited the issue of source segregation of wastes. A presentation on Waste Management was presented by Ms Priya Darshani, Consultant SBM (Grameen) RDD, followed by a presentation on Roles and Responsibilities of Self Help Groups on Swachh Sahar Abhiyan by Mr Ajit Basnett SBM UDD and presentation on Home Composting Methods by Mr Roshan Rai, member Zero Waste Himalaya Darjeeling.

Videos on Waste Management by Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Source Segregation and Material Recover Facility at Padamchen was also showcased during the programme.

A feedback session was also hosted during the programme where the members of various SHGs presented their suggestions on what kind of training should they be offered with.

The SHGs were also presented with financial assistance by the hands of the Minister. It may be mentioned here that the SHGs will be presented with financial aid of 1 lakh rupees per anum. The SHGs were also provided with certificates of participation.

Welcome address was presented by Mr Jigmee Wangchuk Bhutia, Additional Secretary cum Mission Director SBM UDD and vote of thanks was given by Mr Karma Sherpa, Inspector SBM UDD.