Sri Vijaya Puram, August 13: The institutional network supporting women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands received a boost with the inauguration of the new office building of the Adarsh Block Level Federation (BLF) at Mayabunder. The new facility is expected to strengthen grassroots coordination among community institutions and improve the implementation of livelihood initiatives under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).
The office, located near Netaji Sports Stadium in Mayabunder, North and Middle Andaman, was inaugurated on Tuesday. The facility marks a significant step towards reinforcing the institutional framework of Self-Help Groups and their Village Organizations (VOs) in Mayabunder Block.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Additional District Magistrate, North and Middle Andaman, S. Krishna Chaitanya, as the chief guest. Pramukh of Panchayat Samiti, Mayabunder, Shibani Mazumder, attended as the guest of honour. Block Development Officer, Mayabunder, Pradeep Kumar Singh, was also present along with members of Adarsh BLF, Community Resource Persons (CRPs), representatives of Self-Help Groups and other stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries appreciated the efforts of Adarsh BLF and its members in promoting women-led community institutions and supporting livelihood generation and self-employment activities under the DAY-NRLM programme.
According to the organisers, the new office will serve as a dedicated institutional space for the federation to conduct meetings, maintain records and strengthen coordination with Self-Help Groups and Village Organizations. It will also facilitate capacity-building programmes, training activities and provide continued handholding support to SHG members and community institutions.
Officials said the establishment of the office is expected to further strengthen the three-tier Community-Based Organisation (CBO) structure under DAY-NRLM at the grassroots level. The facility is also intended to enhance coordination between Self-Help Groups, Village Organizations, the Block Level Federation, line departments and other stakeholders involved in the programme.
The event also featured a Tiranga flag-off ceremony to mark the spirit of patriotism and national unity. Members of Adarsh BLF, representatives of Self-Help Groups, Community Resource Persons and other participants joined the rally as part of the programme.
