Agartala, Nov 30, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala, Nov 30: Thirteen-day long 17th Regional Saras Mela- 2022 has concluded at Hapania international fair ground, Agartala on Wednesday.
Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, Jail minister Ramprasad Paul, MLA Mimi Majumder, Special Secretary of Rural Development department Sandeep R. Rathod, Chief Executive Officer of Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) Smitha Mol and chairman of Tripura Gramin Bank Satyendra Singh among others were present in the closing ceremony.
In his welcome address, West Tripura District Magistrate Debapriya Bardhan said, the Saras Mela saw a record sale this year. Meanwhile, the sale graph in the Saras Mela touched Rs. 1.45 crore till Tuesday.
Addressing the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister spoke about the progress of rural women through S4elf Help Groups. He also mentioned, the Saras Mela organized by the Rural Development department was a grand success with sales reaching an all-time high at Rs 1.50 crore.
The Deputy Chief Minister also released a book titled ‘Lakhpati Didis’ that contains the inspiring stories of SHG members who have become Lakhpati through Self Help Groups.
The fair drew a massive crowd on the last day. The SHG members returned home with a smile on their faces as they registered a good income.
Meanwhile, prizes in various categories were given during the closing ceremony.
In the best state category, Meghalaya, Sikkim and West Bengal secured the first, second and third positions respectively. Gomati, West Tripura and Dhalai districts bagged first, second and third position in the best district category.
Dukli RD Block, Teliamura RD Block and Jolaibari RD Block got the first, second and third prizes in the best block category. JICA Project, Agriculture and Horticulture department and Tripura Gramin Bank were awarded first, second and third in the best department category.
Besides, awards were also given for best product, best traditional dress, best SHG stall and other categories.