A Capacity Building Programme on Market Linkage and Financial Literacy for local micro-entrepreneurs was successfully held today at ZPC, Kiphire. The programme was organized by Akehda Amulung in collaboration with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
In his opening remarks, Irothe T Sangtam welcomed the resource persons and participants.
A session on market linkage was conducted by Aketo V. Sangtam, President of the Local Shopkeepers Union, Kiphire Town. He shared that, according to his observation, around 90% of locals go to the bank for withdrawals in Kiphire instead of deposits, investments, or savings, while nearly 90% of deposits and savings are made by non-locals. He described this as a shift in the local economy.
He further stated that although the economy is largely influenced by outsiders, there are many opportunities available within Kiphire itself. He encouraged local people to invest more in their own district and highlighted that locals reinvest in the area, while non-locals mainly contribute through rent.
Aketo also stressed that success is not only about government jobs and urged the youth to explore entrepreneurship. He noted that only about 10% of the 130 registered shopkeepers in the union are youths and called for greater youth participation. He also mentioned that there has been a positive shift in agriculture in recent years, from self-use to income generation.
He emphasized the importance of understanding the value of money, proper calculation, saving, and multiplying income, stating that these are areas where improvement is needed. He added that growth requires time, patience, and collective effort. A networking session was held to allow participants to interact and share ideas.
In his closing remarks, Longtili C. Sangtam, founder of Akehda Amulung, thanked the Small Industries Development Bank of India, Aketo V. Sangtam, the Local Shopkeepers Union, and the students, faculty, and administration of ZPC Kiphire for their active participation and support.
He assured that the organisation will continue to work for the development of young minds and the community in Kiphire.
