JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) and Kudumbashree NRO (National Resources Organisation) have entered into a partnership agreement to support the Micro Enterprise Development (MED) programme in Jammu & Kashmir.
The objective of this initiative is to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and promote economic empowerment for rural communities.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed and exchanged through a video conference, in the presence of the Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Mandeep Kaur, on Saturday.
Through this collaboration between JKRLM and Kudumbashree, the MED initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of rural communities in 11 blocks of 9 districts, including 7 in Kashmir and 5 in Jammu as of now. This initiative will contribute towards poverty reduction, women empowerment and overall socio-economic development of rural women of J&K.
The MED initiative emphasizes support for the establishment and growth of micro-enterprises, particularly among SHG women and vulnerable sections of society. JKRLM and Kudumbashree will provide training, capacity building, credit access, and marketing linkages for these micro-enterprises.
Congratulating the officials of JKRLM and Kudumbashree, the Commissioner Secretary highlighted the positive impact that this partnership will have on the economic empowerment of rural communities.
Mandeep Kaur said: “The partnership between JKRLM and Kudumbashree will identify and support potential entrepreneurs, offering capacity-building programs, skill development training, and financial assistance to aid in establishing and managing businesses effectively.”
The Commissioner Secretary hoped that Kudumbashree NRO would share their expertise and experience with JKRLM and wished them all the best for their endeavours in Jammu & Kashmir.
On the occasion of the signing of the MoU, Mission Director JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib, spoke about the importance of partnership between JKRLM and Kudumbashree NRO. She highlighted that this collaboration will provide support and play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting the socio-economic development of rural communities in Jammu & Kashmir.
This Micro Enterprise Development programme is expected to create a positive impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs of JKRLM. It aims to provide sustainable livelihood opportunities, enabling self-reliance and contributing to the overall development of the communities, she added.
It is worth mentioning that Kudumbashree NRO will support Self Help Group (SHG) members of JKRLM and their family member enterprises in the non-farm sector. This support includes not only providing assistance in setting up businesses but also offering the necessary hand-holding and post-enterprise grounding support.
