JAMMU: The Committee on Public Accounts under the Chairmanship of MLA Sham Lal Sharma today conducted an on-spot inspection of various Self-Help Groups being run by the Millionaire Lakhpati Didis in Jammu district under Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM).
Members of PAC, Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Javid Hassan Baig and Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, accompanied the Chairman during the visit.
Besides, MLA Bishnah Rajiv Kumar, Commissioner Secretary RDD & PR Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Mission Director JKRLM Dr Shubhra Sharma, along with senior officials of the concerned departments, were also present on the occasion.
The Committee visited Ratnal village in Bishnah to inspect the functioning of Umeed Bishnah Women Producer Company Limited, which is an initiative of JKRLM.
During the inspection, the Committee interacted with the members of the Self-Help Group who deal in seeds, fertilisers, rice, turmeric, chilli powder, etc.
Further, the Committee visited Suchetgarh, where they interacted with scores of women members of various Self-Help Groups.
The Committee also inspected various stalls established by different Self-Help Groups which deal in milk products, honey, organic food items, woollen clothes, designer candles, etc.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that the programme aims to financially empower the women associated with self-help groups by providing them with skills, affordable credit and market linkages.
The Chairman stressed an inclusive marketing strategy and organising more fairs and exhibitions in order to provide a platform for SHG members to sell and promote their products in other parts of the state and country as well.
The Chairman asserted that the central government actively backs this initiative, promoting diversified livelihood activities and fostering collaboration across sectors for strategic planning and implementation.
The Chairman also lauded the efforts of JKRLM, which supported this journey with collective action, financial literacy and skill development, empowering members for entrepreneurial ventures.
In his address, Member Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, said that it is our responsibility to ensure that the benefit of all schemes launched by the government shall reach every eligible beneficiary in J&K.
He emphasised that the government is committed to the social and economic upliftment of women, and Lakhpati Didis’ initiative is playing a crucial role in the purpose. He added that beyond financial success, the Lakhpati Didis are inspired by adopting sustainable livelihood practices and achieving a decent standard of living.
