JAMMU: Commissioner Secretary of Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mandeep Kaur, today chaired a meeting with line departments to discuss and strengthen collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM).
The meeting aimed to explore opportunities for joint initiatives and convergence with JKRLM to foster sustainable growth, community empowerment, skill development, and strategic partnerships with various departments, showcasing a commitment to transforming rural livelihoods in Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking On the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary stressed the importance of convergence between JKRLM and all line departments for efficient implementation and asset creation for livelihoods.
Mandeep Kaur emphasized the vital need for the convergence of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) with JKRLM, acknowledging the pivotal role they play in the mission’s success.
She added that the convergence of JKRLM with various line departments and PRI is imperative to ensure effective asset creation and sustainable livelihoods for the communities. She appreciated the significant efforts of JKRLM to foster collaboration for the betterment of rural livelihoods in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Commissioner Secretary also said that the potential convergence with various departments, leveraging their expertise and resources to catalyse positive change and create impactful opportunities for Rural Women must be focussed upon. She commended the efforts of JKRLM, noting that it has maintained a remarkable NPA rate of less than 1%.
During the meeting, Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib, discussed the Vision document threadbare with the participating departments. She informed them that JKRLM has successfully federated 725,000 women and formed 87,000 self-help groups (SHGs) across the Union Territory of J&K. These SHGs are working in various areas such as livelihood, financial inclusion, gender and social inclusion, and other related fields.
She further informed that the mission aims to expand the presence of Model Cluster Level Federations (MCLFs) in each block, which would serve as proof of evidence and peer learning platforms on various thematic areas. Additionally, she stated that a knowledge management cell would be established to facilitate the active involvement of the cadre in creating thematic audio-visual modules. The mission also plans to undertake data-capturing exercises and establish Village Poverty Reduction Plans (VPRPs) through SHGs and other vulnerable sections of the community.
Moreover, the mission plans to launch Umeed Sewayein, which will provide elder care services and sign language assistance. Additionally, counselling services will be offered to address emotional and psychological needs.
During the meeting, threadbare discussions were held over the establishment of a common auditors group, where SHG members could work as auditors for other organizations. Transforming Block Training Centers (BTC) into Community Managed Training Centers (CMTC) was also emphasized as a way to enhance knowledge dissemination and skill development in rural areas.
The meeting emphasized the importance of value addition in the livestock and agriculture sectors, with the need for cluster-level interventions and support from respective departments. Efforts to make Community Health Centers (CHCs) more efficient were also discussed.
Various departments, including Skill Development, Industries, and JKTPO, were urged to support convergence initiatives similar to the Vishwakarma Scheme. The standardization of products and the creation of a JKRLM brand were also discussed, with a request for support from JKTPO.
The meeting also addressed the issue of sustainability of homestays in the tourism sector, with a request for proper assistance and monitoring from the Tourism Department. The potential for waste management projects in smaller destinations was also discussed.
The meeting highlighted the concept of school uniforms and canteens, suggesting collaboration between JKRLM and other departments. Gender and social inclusion were given importance, leading to the establishment of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to work on gender development and livelihood opportunities for SHG women. Collaboration with other departments, such as the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) was also emphasized.
The meeting also highlighted the need for enhanced collaboration with departments like NABARD, JKTPO, Agriculture, Tourism, and Mission Youth, seeking support for product certification, market linkage, financial assistance, and skill development.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Tourism Jammu, the Director of Rural Sanitation, the Directors of Animal Husbandry- K/J, Agriculture, J/K, the Mission Director of JKTPO, the Director of MSME, the Additional Mission Director of JKRLM Kashmir, the General Manager NABARD, Manager J&K SIDBI and OSD Mission Youth, along with representatives from other line departments.
