Self-help groups (SHG) have got a permanent address here to showcase their products and skills.

City Livelihoods Centre was inaugurated by Assam education and Guwahati development department (GDD) minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya on Wednesday.

Nearly, 1,400 shops will be able to display their products at the centre on the Guwahati Municipal Corporation office premises in Lakhtokia.

The centre, covering 1,200 square feet area, has been set up by the GMC under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana — National Urban Livelihoods Mission at the cost of Rs 5.46 lakh.

Additional state project officer Assam Urban Livelihood Mission, Sarmistha Deka, said, “There are more than 8,074 self-help groups in the state. More than 1,400 SHGs in Kamrup (metro) are registered under the centre.”

“The centre will provide a platform to the urban poor whereby women SHG members can showcase their products in an organised manner to potential buyers. They can also access information and business support services when needed. For example, the centre will help them avail loans from various banks,” she added.

The centre will also act as a one-stop shop for those seeking information on the products and services by SHGs.

It will provide training to electricians, beauticians and so on, she added.

The GDD minister said, “Most of the times the SHGs are unable to find a market. The centre will help them find potential buyers.”

AC bus stops: Bhattacharya also inaugurated two AC bus stops at Panbazar and GS Road in Guwahati.

The Panbazar bus stop has a baby feeding room.