MEPMA bags nine SKOCH Platinum awards

The Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA) has secured nine SKOCH Platinum awards.

Established in 2007 and operating under the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department (MA&UD), MEPMA addresses urban poverty through a multi-dimensional approach that integrates livelihood generation, financial inclusion, skill development, housing and women empowerment, according to a release from the department.

Out of 14 innovative projects submitted by MEPMA, nine were chosen for the recognition. The nine initiatives pertain to the welfare of self-help groups (SHGs), urban homeless, street vendors and unrecognised occupational groups.

“This is a moment of pride not just for the department, but for every individual who has been empowered through these interventions. Our aim has always been to create lasting, inclusive change,” said S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, MA&UD Department, in the press statement.

He added that the MEPMA field staff have been instrumental in implementing the policy. “From training SHG members in digital tools to facilitating access to markets, their efforts have touched thousands of lives,” Mr. Suresh Kumar said.

MEPMA mission director N. Tej Bharat said these awards are a recognition of the tireless efforts of their teams and commitment of the SHGs.

The SKOCH Awards are a prestigious independent civilian award presented by the SKOCH Group. The SKOCH Platinum awards will be formally presented at the SKOCH Summit in New Delhi on September 20.

Published - June 08, 2025 08:28 pm IST