Tezu, Jun 18: The first-ever Udyami Panjikaran Mela was successfully organised by the ArSRLM Tezu Unit at Amik Rinya Hall, in collaboration with the District Administration, Lohit. The event witnessed the participation of 86 SHG entrepreneurs from Tezu-Sunpura Block and aimed at formally registering rural entrepreneurs and promoting their products for wider market access.
Nyatum Doke, DIPRO Lohit, who graced the event as the Chief Guest, described entrepreneurs as the "true changemakers" and pillars of a self-reliant Arunachal Pradesh. He emphasized the importance of official registration for entrepreneurs, which would enable them to gain recognition from the government and financial institutions, and unlock new growth opportunities. He encouraged the entrepreneurs to be innovative, focus on market-aligned product designs, and invest in quality, branding, packaging, and promotion. Stressing on the need for upskilling, he said the mela is not merely an event but a movement for empowerment and enterprise development.
Takar Hakom, Block Mission Manager (BMM), ArSRLM, in his welcome address, explained that the mela is part of an effort to map and register SHG entrepreneurs and their products on the ArSRLM portal. This initiative will pave the way for market linkage through SHG outlets in Itanagar, inter-state platforms, exhibitions, and even at airports and railway stations. Registered products will also receive support for training in packaging, labelling, pricing, and design improvements, thereby enhancing economic opportunities.
Siva Das, Lead District Manager (LDM), commended ArSRLM’s vision and assured that bank credit linkage would be provided to all eligible and promising SHGs. He encouraged entrepreneurs to think long-term and not lose heart in their entrepreneurial journey.
Tadar Tara, Extension Officer from the Department of Handloom and Textiles, praised the quality and variety of SHG products and gave technical advice for further refinement.
Yamang Taggu, Extension Officer, Department of Industries, urged SHGs to avail government schemes like PMEGP for setting up and expanding their ventures.
The mela served as a platform for awareness, technical guidance, market access planning, and formalisation of local enterprises, marking a significant milestone in rural entrepreneurship development in Lohit district.