Dumka: The 10-day Palash Aajivikotsav Saras Mela was inaugurated at Gandhi Maidan in Jharkhand’s sub-capital Dumka by Ministers Alamgir Alam and Minister Badal Patralekh, besides Dumka MLA Basant Soren and others. In this Saras fair which will be held till 20th December women’s groups who have reached from different states and almost all the districts of Jharkhand are selling their products by setting up stalls.
On the occasion of the inauguration of the fair, Rural Development Minister Alamgir Aalam said that this Saras Mela is to give national recognition to the items produced by the local women. Just as the women’s group has established its identity in the country and the world with dairy products and papad the same identity will be created by taking the products prepared by the women of Jharkhand to every corner of India. He said that the government is trying its best to increase the livelihood of rural women, especially those living in rural areas.
This Saras Mela will play a big role in increasing their income and empowerment he said adding that the only aim of this mission is to make the people of the village self-reliant, and happy and to get a smile on everyone’s face. The Rural Development Department has prepared an action plan in this direction, he added. Agriculture Minister Badal Patralekh said that NOC has been given for Palash Mart, a large plot of the Agriculture Department located in Kanke, Ranchi. This mart will be built at a very good place. Soon its foundation stone will be laid by the Chief Minister. People will shop from here and goods will get market.
Minister Badal said that it is the effort of the government that all the women of the state get respect and make their dreams come true. By joining the group, women have got an increase in respect in their families, in their village, and in the administration. The government has left no stone unturned to boost the morale of women, the minister informed.
MLA Basant Soren said that this Saras Mela is unique in itself. A few days back he had seen the skill of women in Ghasipur Panchayat and got information that the things made by mothers and sisters there. It is supplied not only in the country but also abroad. It is a matter of great pride. It is expected that through this Saras Mela their skill will get recognition not only in the whole country but also in foreign countries.
Being an MLA he assured everyone that he is with them all the time for these things. Zilla Parishad President Joyce Besra said that the government has foresight so the market was made available to women. Mats, handkerchiefs, table cloths, candles, incense sticks, mushrooms etc have been manufactured by women in the area but they could not find the market but such fairs will prove to be a means of preparing the market.
Using their skills, women will no longer be dependent on anyone. It will prove to be an industrial revolution in the coming days. If this type of fair continues to be organized, women will make many things by working hard throughout the year and with enthusiasm, and their income will also increase from the fair he said.
After the address, the stalls at Gandhi Maidan were inspected by all the guests. A large number of people bought goods from the stall during this period. At the same time, under the cultural programme, wonderful dance forms like Paika, Chhau dance, ancient folk dance Natuwa, Shikari were organized. Due to being a Sunday, a huge crowd of women was seen.