Kolkata, Aug. 5 -- The state Panchayats and Rural Development (P & RD) department will conduct an audit of the self-help groups (SHGs) across the state who have availed loans before disbursement of fresh loans for this financial year.

"We have come across misappropriation of funds in disbursement of loans to the SHGs during the previous government regime. So, we will conduct a thorough audit of the SHGs to find out how many of them are active, how many have taken loans and how the same has been utilised. Those who have done good work will be eligible for a loan of Rs 3.5 lakh each. We have a target of disbursing loans to the tune of Rs 40000 crore this year," said Dilip Ghosh, P & RD minister, at a programme on 'Sashakt Sakhi Samriddh Bharat' organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with West Bengal State Rural Livelihood Mission (WBSRLM) of the P & RD department. Ghosh made it clear that if the audit uncovers any corruption, action will be taken.

The minister said that 12.5 lakh SHGs are in the state, but all of them are not 'active'.

"We will offer specialised training and loans to them so that they are strengthened," he added. Ghosh said that his department's goal is to create 3 lakh 'Lakhpati Didis' (women earning an annual income of at least one lakh rupees) this year.

He claimed that the former state government has stalled many women-centric schemes launched by the Centre.

"Previously, the implementation of the 'Bima Sakhi Didi' scheme was not permitted in Bengal, though I managed to introduce it in Medinipur during my tenure as an MP. We must ensure that no woman remains idle in the villages. Our government will provide Rs 12,000 for the construction of toilets. If anyone demands money , please lodge a complaint; I will ensure they are put behind bars," he added.

NCW chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar advocated the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and registration in the GEM portal for enhancing business prospects of the SHGs in the state.

"Complaints related to crime against women have come down in the state in the past two months, which bears testimony to the fact that women are more secure here under the BJP government," said Rahatkar.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.