Second All India Saras Mela begins on Feb 10

Agartala, Feb 9: The Tripura government has extended invitation toall the eight North Eastern states and other states of the country forparticipating in a ten-day All India Region's Saras Mela beginning heretomorrow.

State Urban Development Minister Jitendra Chowdhury said the SarasMela has been organised by the state for the second time as theresponsibility was given to the state on the basis of recognition tothe Rural Development and Self Help Groups(SHG).

Chief Minister Manik Sarkar would inaugurate the mela which would be followed by various programmes.

''Though there is some insurgency related activities by the ULFAin neighbouring Asom, a number of participants from outside NE regionhave already arrived in the state to take part in the Saras fair,'' MrSarkar said.

During the last year's mela, at least nine SHG from outside thestate had participated in the mela. This time in all 180 stalls hadbeen opened for the purpose, Mr Chowdhury informed.

The yearly trade of the SGH in the state now stood nearly at Rs 75crores and so far in all 18,840 SGHs had been set up in this NorthEastern hilly state with efforts of the District Rural DevelopmentAgency.

About more than two lakh people living Below the Poverty line(BPL) in the state was brought under the purview of the SGH, theminister stated.

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