Second All India Saras Mela begins tomorrow

Agartala, Feb 9 (UNI) The Tripura government has extended invitation to all the eight North Eastern states and other states of the country for participating in a ten-day All India Region's Saras Mela beginning here tomorrow.

State Urban Development Minister Jitendra Chowdhury said the Saras Mela has been organised by the state for the second time as the responsibility was given to the state on the basis of recognition to the 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 ULFA in neighbouring Asom, a number of participants from outside NE region have already arrived in the state to take part in the Saras fair,'' Mr Sarkar said.

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

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

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

UNI