Doda : Deputy Commissioner Doda, Vishesh Mahajan, on Monday chaired a meeting of the departments dealing in key sectors to discuss the road map for economic growth and creation of income opportunities.
The discussions focused on strategies to promote handloom, handicraft, self employment, silk production, supporting local artisans, ensuring food safety and enforcement of fair trade practices.
The meeting reviewed the performance of around 10 departments, including Sericulture, Handloom, Handicrafts, Food Safety & Drugs, Legal Metrology, District Urban Development Agency, SC/ST/OBC Corporation, Women Development Corporation, JKEDI Doda and NRLM. The meeting discussed their achievements, functions, and targets.
The DC emphasised the need to engage the desirous farmers in cocoon production. He instructed the concerned departments to collaborate with progressive farmers to boost silk production in the area.
Additionally, he directed the Handicraft and Handloom departments to disburse loans to 300 artisans and set the target of sponsoring 200 loan cases by the next month. The DC further urged the department to promote local Pattu and blanket production with attractive designs to appeal to the customers. He also asked for encouraging the skilled tailors to promote traditional clothing.
The DC asked the Handicraft and Handloom department to identify suitable platforms to display local items and attract customers. It was revealed during the meeting that there are 20 craft centers in the district, out of which 12 are currently operational.
The sericulture department informed the DC about the establishment of a cooperative unit. The DC also suggested creating small videos or animation films demonstrating the silk production process. Additionally, he directed the departments to set the target of enhancing farmers’ income and to establish a high quality plant nursery in Doda. He stressed the importance of finding technocrats, entrepreneurs, and progressive farmers to coordinate with the NRLM (National Rural Livelihood Mission) and provide marketing linkages to rearing farmers.
Later, the DC reviewed the Food Safety department’s functioning and instructed them to provide licenses to all street vendors (rehari walas) and register them with the food safety department. He directed the department to conduct checking of food served in hotels in the district, particularly in Bhaderwah, as the district administration is planning to organize a mega festival in August. The DC also highlighted the importance of ensuring the quality of oil in sweets shops and examining oversized vegetables for potential hormone injections.
The DC mandated regular market inspections by food safety officers to check food adulteration.
The DC directed the Legal Metrology officers to visit all tehsils and ensure proper utilization of the weight and measurement system to prevent any black market activities.
