Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the implementation and overall progress of the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in the district. During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed NRLM interventions across various Community Development (CD) Blocks, with particular emphasis on institutional strengthening of Self Help Groups (SHGs), livelihood promotion, credit linkages, capacity building, and convergence with allied departments.
The District Programme Manager (DPM), NRLM, presented a detailed performance overview through detailed presentation, highlighting the profile, coverage and overall scenario of NRLM implementation in the district. The chair was apprised that the mission has covered 37,973 rural households across 11 CD Blocks, with an institutional framework comprising 4,474 Self Help Groups (SHGs), 298 Village Organisations (VOs) and 24 Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
Dr. Qayoom sought a detailed block-wise assessment of bank linkage progress, status of credit flow to SHGs, physical achievements, identification of potential Lakhpati Didis, establishment of Agri-Nutri Gardens, and formation of Producer Groups. He directed the concerned officers to bridge gaps in capitalisation and ensure timely and adequate credit flow to all eligible SHGs.
While reviewing progress achieved under non-farm livelihood enterprises, including service-oriented ventures promoted through SHGs, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for sustained handholding, mentoring and market linkage support to emerging entrepreneurs to ensure viability and scalability of enterprises.
The DC also reviewed pendency issues at various banks and directed bank authorities to resolve the same on priority. He instructed the concerned Cluster Head of the bank to nominate an officer to address these pendencies and monitor NRLM-related cases fortnightly while NRLM functionaries were directed to intensify coordination with financial institutions to facilitate smooth credit access for SHGs and entrepreneurs, reiterating that seamless credit flow is essential for strengthening rural enterprises.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable livelihood generation in both farm and non-farm sectors, Dr. Qayoom emphasised scaling up income-generating activities undertaken by SHG members stating that livelihood diversification is essential for enhancing household incomes and ensuring long-term economic resilience of rural communities.
While reviewing capacity building and training initiatives, the DC stressed aligning skill development programmes with local resource potential and market demand to maximise outcomes. The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed convergence initiatives with line departments including Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture and Rural Development, and called for a more coordinated and integrated approach to maximise benefits for NRLM beneficiaries.
Concluding the meeting, Dr. Qayoom directed NRLM functionaries to ensure timely achievement of deliverables and targets in close liaison with banks and line departments to ensure socio-economic empowerment of rural households in Pulwama district.
Among others, the meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Pulwama; Chief Agriculture Officer, Pulwama; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Pulwama; Lead District Manager (LDM) Pulwama; and Block Programme Managers (BPMs) of NRLM Pulwama.