A credit linkage of In GOA, 365 crore Self Help Groups (SHGS) have empowered thousands of women to start small enterprises and service-based businesses, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said in Panaji on 1 July.
Addressing the closing of a banker in the state capital, Sawant praised the important role of financial institutions in SHG’s financing. The event was organized by Goa State Rural Livelihood Mission (GSRLM) and senior officials, representatives of the banking sector and SHGS participated.
“During the financial year 2024 to 2025 alone, SHGS found credit linkage in Goa 365 crores. This financial assistance has empowered thousands of women to start small enterprises, to do farming and launch service-based businesses, “Saint said while speaking in the Conclave.
What is credit linkage?
Credit linkage refers to the process of connecting individuals, groups or institutions to formal financial institutions, mainly with banks, to facilitate access to loans and other credit facilities.
The Chief Minister appealed to the bankers to simplify credit access and increase handholding for SHGs, especially in areas of digital literacy, financial awareness and entrepreneurship. When financial institutions run with our rural women, the real change begins, the Chief Minister said.
Sawant stated that GSRLM helped change life at the ground level, forcing more than 3,250 SHGs, which were positively affected in more than 43,000 homes.
The Chief Minister said, “These groups are not only financial institutions, but they are also stories of hope, courage and self -sufficiency. They are not just a number on paper, they represent women who chose to get up, take charge of their livelihood and motivate others.”
Sawant said on the occasion that 170 women -led SHGs have been imperialist and 14 canteens have been launched in government offices as a part of the Swamparna Goa Mission in 2023 under the Mukhamantri Annapurna Yojana.
These groups are not only financial institutions, but they are also stories of hope, courage and self -reliance.
“These canteens provide clean food to rural women by providing stable income opportunities,” he said.
