YINGKIONG, SEP 11:

A six-day off-campus skill development training programme for rural women members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) concluded at Yingkiong, with more than 35 participants receiving hands-on training in value-added products aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods.

The programme was jointly organised by the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), Pasighat, and the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ArSRLM), BMMU Yingkiong. It was facilitated by RSETI Pasighat Director Mithun Sutradhar and BMMU Yingkiong Block Mission Manager Rani Doye.

Participants were trained in making honey and milk soaps, liquid dishwashing products, candles, toilet cleaners, white phenyl, detergents and gel candles. The training also covered pickle-making using locally available produce, including brinjal, kope, karela, champa, chilli-garlic-ginger, star fruit, lemon and jackfruit.

The final sessions focused on candy and confectionery preparation, including pineapple and pear candy and dark chocolate. Resource persons Niva Singh and Chaiti Dey provided technical guidance, demonstrations and hands-on training.

The programme was coordinated by Porngam Dagam, BCLH and thematic in-charge, BMMU Yingkiong.

The valedictory ceremony was attended by Upper Siang District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Yalik Jerang, who distributed certificates to the participating SHG members.

Addressing the participants, Jerang appreciated their enthusiastic participation and emphasised the importance of practical skills, entrepreneurship and locally viable livelihood activities in promoting economic self-reliance among rural women.

The programme marked a collaborative effort by RSETI and ArSRLM to strengthen the skills and livelihood opportunities of rural SHG women and encourage them to turn their skills into sustainable income-generating enterprises.