The visit of National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands included a detailed interaction with local artisans, Self-Help Groups, and women beneficiaries of various government schemes. During her tour, the Chairperson visited ANE-Sagarika, where she observed a wide display of handcrafted products created by island artisans and appreciated the craftsmanship rooted in the region’s cultural heritage.
Rahatkar took particular note of the Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items exhibited at the emporium, acknowledging their cultural and economic significance. She also interacted with artisans at the venue, commending their skill, creativity, and perseverance in sustaining traditional crafts despite geographical constraints.
As part of the official programme, the NCW Chairperson later attended an interactive session organized by the Department of Industries, along with MSME, DFO, Coir Board, and allied departments such as Social Welfare and Rural Development. The event brought together women associated with various government-supported initiatives, including PMEGP, PMFME, Dulari, and PMMY, in addition to entrepreneurs linked with ANE-Sagarika.
The programme highlighted a diverse range of handmade products developed by women-led groups and showcased the expanding entrepreneurial ecosystem among women in the Islands. Despite the logistical challenges of working in a remote island region, the Chairperson acknowledged the strong participation of women beneficiaries and praised their commitment to self-reliance.
During the session, Atul Soni, Director of Industries, explained several women-focused schemes implemented by the department and noted their encouraging outcomes. G.K. Sinha, IEDS, MSME, presented details about the benefits and support available under flagship MSME programmes aimed at small-scale entrepreneurship and capacity building.
Participants at the event included multiple women beneficiaries who spoke about their journeys, the support received through government schemes, and their progress in developing sustainable livelihood opportunities. Their accounts demonstrated the growing impact of skill development, financial assistance, and institutional support on local entrepreneurship.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Coir Board incharge, acknowledging the contribution of departments, participants, and visiting officials.
The visit by the NCW Chairperson and her delegation was seen as a significant step in strengthening women-led enterprise development across the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. The interactions provided an opportunity to recognize the work of local artisans, assess the effectiveness of women-centered schemes, and reinforce ongoing efforts toward socio-economic empowerment. The engagement also underlined the commitment to promoting financial literacy, branding, packaging, and business development among women entrepreneurs, with a focus on preserving traditional craftsmanship while building sustainable livelihoods.
