Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Law and Justice, Abdul Haq convened a meeting to review the implementation of UMEED scheme in the Kashmir province here today.While addressing the meeting, the Minister directed the concerned officials to ensure that all the developmental schemes are executed efficiently so that benefits of the same reach to the common masses. He instructed the officers to ensure proper monitoring and execution of UMEED scheme and its components at block and district levels. He stressed that tangible results should be visible on the ground.The Minister was informed that there are 11501 Self Help Groups (SHGs) in the Kashmir Division having 105000 members who are generating income through these groups. These groups have own thrift of Rs 14 crore, while as capitalization through Department is Rs 39.09 crore and Bank linkage is Rs 24.23 Crore. There are 206 Automatic Milk Collection Centers (AMCC) in the Kashmir province, while as milk production stands at 11600 litres per day in the province.During the meeting, Abdul Haq also reviewed the progress achieved under various schemes and asked the concerned authorities to mobilize manpower within the Department or effective implementation of them in all the Valley districts. He further asked the concerned officials to concentrate upon development of sustained infrastructure besides employment generation.While interacting with the members of the SHGs, the Minister asked them to increase the production of livelihood stock so that more and more people get benefited and are aware of the scheme which would ultimately improve their economic conditions.He appreciated the participation of well-educated women in the SHGs who been associated with the Mission UMEED and serve themselves and the society as well. He also lauded the efforts of the concerned officials for making UMEED Mission a success.He said that Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti is keen to improve a lot of women and provide them opportunity to earn livelihood and lead a dignified life.
Stressing on maintaining transparency and providing information to the people about welfare schemes being executed by the Government in rural areas, the Minister emphasized that the monitoring information system of the Department should be updated regularly.He was informed about several measures undertaken to ensure phase wise implementation of the Livelihood Mission UMEED at block level.He asked the officers to ensure effective implementation of the scheme so that employment opportunities are generated for the women especially living in rural and far flung areas.The Minister said it will be a revolutionary step for our society when women empowerment is ensured in its real sense and added that it is the prime concern of the Government to empower women at grass root level. He stressed upon the need to further strengthen the UMEED scheme which is a potent tool in improving the living standards of people of rural areas. “UMEED scheme is the hope for the women and the scheme is aimed to encourage rural women to make small savings so that their SHGs will eventually become bankable. Upon its successful implementation it will change socio-economic conditions of the women in state” he added.
On the occasion, the Minister felicitated the awardees who have fared well in implementing welfare schemes. Among the awardees include Himayat VO, Block Khansahib who were conferred with National Award, Rs 2 lakh and citation where as Shalimar SHG Block Khansahib was presented Rs 1 lakh and citation by the Union Minister for Rural Development.SHG members who participated in Kolkata Saras Fair Block Khansahib were appreciated for 100% participation by rural women members. SHG members from Kupwara, Sumbal, Lar, Pulwama, and Breng blocks participated in Aajeevika Fair, New Dehli which was graced by Prime Minister, where Rs 3.5 lakh sale was made. Village Organization Al nor and Habak Chanpora, Cluster Level Federation – E, Singhpora , Village Organizations of Khellan, Mitrigam, Payer, Nownagri were also felicitated.
Director Jammu and Kashmir State Rural Livelihood Mission Kashmir (JKSRLM) Javaid Bakshi, Additional Director JKSRLM, concerned officers and members of SHGs attended the meeting.