Pukwama: Minister for Rural Development Panchayat Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq Thursday said the government is committed to strengthen women Self Help Groups (SHGs) by providing every possible assistance to them aimed at eradicating rural poverty and to achieve overall development of rural economy.
Minister said this while reviewing the functioning of State Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM) in district Pulwama. He was accompanied by Minister of State Zahoor Ahmad Mir, MLA Pulwama Khalil Ahmad Bhand, MLA Tral Mushtaq Ahmad Shah, DC Pulwama GM Dar, Director RDD Gazanfar Hussain , Additional Mission Director JKSRLM, Ishfaq Ahmed, Additional Commissioner Development, besides other senior officer of the administration.
He said the government is taking all steps to assist the SHGs to grow besides effective and decentralized marketing of SHG products. He said the Umeed Program launched by the state government has brought a great hope for poor women.
Minister said making women self sufficient is the first step towards empowering women folk and that the schemes of SRLM are helping women to be self sufficient ultimately empowering them to be part of decision making in a family.
He said the Scheme is aimed to provide better livelihood facilities to the women particularly in rural areas by showing them a sustainable path to capital.
Abdul Haq while addressing the gathering said the Scheme has already brought great hope for poor women in not only to come out of poverty but also raise their status within the communities. He said the Government is committed for bringing revolutionary changes in the economic stability of the state particularly in rural areas.
Earlier district officer of SRLM Pulwama gave a power point presentation highlighting the aims and objectives of the scheme and various notable achievements recorded in the district.
Minister was informed that in Pulwama, JKSRLM (UMEED) has formed 497 SHG’s involving 4500 women covering 46 Gram Panchayats and 121 villages. It was stated that the total savings of these SHGs is 49 lakhs while 89 SHGs have been provided loan of Rs 44.50 lakh. Meeting was informed that RS 343 SHGs have been given a revolving fund of Rs 51.45 lakh while Rs 40 lakh have been given to 89 groups as Community Investment Fund.
Minister was further informed that there are 33 Automated Milk Collection Centres in Pulwama which are operated by women of these SHGs and each AMC collect 70 to 80 litres per day.
Various members of SHGs were present in the meeting who shared their experience and success stories while being associated with UMEED scheme. They apprised the chair that UMEED has been responsible for their changed life and now they feel they are empowered.
While praising the perseverance of women and their role in nation building, Minister stressed on the gathering to be part of welfare based program and assured them of complete support and handholding from the side of government. He congratulated the women of Pulwama for coming into the fold Umeed Program, J&K SRLM.
During the interaction, members from different Self Help Groups shared their experiences of positive change in enhancing their livelihoods and confidence they have experienced by associating with the SHGs of UMEED.
Minister appreciated women for changing their fate by themselves and ensured that more blocks shall be brought under the program on fast track basis and anticipated a big turnaround in the lives of poor families of the block.
