‘SHGs that sold China-made products at Saras to be banned’

Gaude says  the ready-made items violated the guidelines

Margao: Minister for Rural Development Agency (RDA) Govind Gaude on Monday said  those Self Help Groups (SHGs) which sold China made products at the Saras 12- day  festival at Margao will be banned from taking part in Saras  and all other  state organised exhibition-cum-sale events.

The minister was responding to a query on a raid which happened at the Goa organised Saras festival. Consumer activist Roland Martins had complained to the authorities concerned and they swung into action at the exhibition venue which was held at the SGPDA ground, Margao.

 “We will not only ban the SHG from taking part in the Saras festival in the near future, but will also conduct a probe as to how they were allowed to sell such products. I however assure that these things will not happen again. The Saras festival is held with the aim of promoting the products made by the SHGs and not the ready-made items that violated the laid down guidelines,’’ the minister said.

He said that the concerned agency and the SHG will not be allowed even to take part in the Lok-utsav festival.  Meanwhile, the minister said the 12-day Saras festival had a record sale of items worth of `1.80 crore as against the last Saras festival held in the year 2021. He also thanked the RDA team and the participants. 

The minister further said that Goan SHGs are doing well in festivals held in other states. He cited an example of a SHG performing in Puducherry. The minister however said that the next Saras festival will be held in the month of February and it will not clash with examination dates of the students.  Others who spoke included the guest of honour MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar,  who praised the minister for the successful event.  The south DRDA project Director, Pravin Barad welcomed the gathering.  On the occasion several prizes were distributed to the participants at the programme including children from different groups.  There were in all 223 installs besides 11 open spaces allotted for SHGs that came from different states.