Agartala, June 15: The network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has evidently emerged as a major driver of women empowerment in Tripura.

Around five lakh women are now engaged in livelihood activities through around 56,000 SHGs operating across the state, Finance minister Pranajit Singha Roy said on Monday.

Addressing the inauguration of a three-day Janakalyan Shivir in Gomati district’s Udaipur, the minister highlighted the growing role of women-led community organizations in strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting financial independence.

He noted that Tripura has made significant progress under the Centre’s ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative, with more than 1.10 lakh women receiving the tag. The programme aims to encourage women associated with SHGs to become financially self-reliant through entrepreneurship and livelihood activities.

The minister said various welfare and development initiatives launched by the central government are contributing to socio-economic transformation in both rural and urban areas. He cited housing assistance, food security programmes and women-centric schemes among the major interventions aimed at improving living standards.

The Janakalyan Shivir was launched at multiple locations in Gomati district, including Matabari, Tepania, Kakraban and Killa blocks, alongside a parallel programme organised by the Udaipur Municipal Council. The camps have been designed to bring government services closer to citizens and provide benefits of the welfare schemes through departmental outreach activities.

Officials said different government departments have set up stalls to assist residents in accessing benefits, obtaining information about ongoing programmes and resolving service-related issues. The initiative is expected to help improve awareness and enrolment under various welfare schemes.

As part of the opening day activities, several beneficiaries received assistance from different departments. The Fisheries Department distributed equipment to fish farmers, while students were provided educational support materials by the School Education Department.

A drawing competition for children was also organised ahead of the inaugural programme, drawing participation from young students from different areas.

The inaugural events were attended by elected representatives of local bodies, district-level officials and members of Panchayati Raj institutions, who called upon residents to make full use of the services being offered through the three-day outreach programme.