Agartala: Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Giriraj Singha on Monday said a target was set to bring six lakh, rural women, under Self Help Groups in Tripura by 2025.

A plan is in the pipeline to bring six lakh, women, under SHGs in Tripura by 2025 and grow their annual income up to Rs. 1 lakh. It will not only make the women financially strong but also contribute to the state's GDP," the Union Minister said.

He addressed a press conference at the State Guest House, Agartala just before leaving the state, ending his three-day trip, on the state government's efforts for financial growth of the rural women through Self Help Groups (SHGs).

"The number of SHGs in Tripura from 2014-15 to 2017-18 was 4061 with involvement of 40, 135 women.

The number increased to 23,705 covering 2,20,885 women over the past 3.5 years. A target has been set to increase the income of 1 lakh SHG members up to Rs 8,000 to 10,000 by 2022,” he said.

Addressing the media, Singh also appreciated the state government's work in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G). “Under PMAY-G, only 12,695 houses were constructed during the tenure of the previous government. But, as many as 42,944 houses have been constructed in the state since 2018-19. It's an achievement for the state government," Singh told the press conference He said the Centre had changed the guidelines (definition of Kutcha house) on Tripura Government's request for sanctioning houses under the scheme.

"As per the revised guidelines, the Centre has sanctioned 1.59 lakh houses for Tripura under PMAY-G I hope, the state government will complete the distribution of houses within the stipulated time," the union minister said.

He also spoke on the achievements of various other schemes like Digital India Land Records.

Before leaving the state, the union minister also visited Tripura Forest Development and Plantation Corporation, Nagichera, and Tripura State Forest Academy, Hatipara.

Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Verma, Secretary. Rural Development- Saumya Gupta and Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) Dr. D.K. Sharma was present at the press conference. Before leaving the state, the union minister also visited Tripura Forest Development and Plantation Corporation. Nagichera and Tripura State Forest Academy, Hatipara.