Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq Khan, Friday said the state government is committed to strengthen the women self-help groups (SHGs) in order to eradicate rural poverty and to achieve overall development of village economy.Speaking while interacting with the members of SHGs, Khan said that besides effective and decentralized marketing of SHG products the government is taking all steps in assisting the SHGs to grow. He said the Umeed Programme launched by the state government has brought a great hope for poor women.He said poverty and unemployment are key factors behind migration from rural to urban areas and that the government is firm on checking this trend by bringing holistic and inclusive development of the rural economy, which will ultimately blur the rural urban divide. He said the scheme is aimed to provide better livelihood facilities to women, particularly in rural areas, by showing them a sustainable path to capital.
While addressing the gathering, the Minister said that the scheme has already brought a great hope for poor women enabling them not just to come out of poverty but also to raise their status within their communities. He said the Government is committed to bringing revolutionary changes in the economic stability of the state, particularly in the rural areas.Praising the perseverance of women and their role in nation building, Khan impressed upon the gathering to be part of various welfare-based programmes of the government and assured them of complete support and handholding from the government. He congratulated the women of Lar and Ganderbal, where some 7,000 women have been brought under the fold of the Umeed Programme.
During the interaction, members from different Self Help Groups shared their experiences of positive change in enhancing their livelihoods and confidence they have attained by associating themselves with the SHGs of UMEED. The Minister appreciated the women for changing their fate and ensured that more blocks shall be brought under the programme on fast-track basis and anticipated a big turnaround in the lives of poor families of the block.Speaking on occasion, the Mission Director, J&K SRLM, Dr. G N Qasba, said the scheme will not only help women in engaging themselves in gainful livelihoods but will also contribute in the overall development of the society.Others who were present on the occasion include Additional Mission Director JKSRLM, Ishfaq Ahmed, Additional Commissioner Development, besides other senior officers of the administration.