Awareness Camp on Labour Welfare and Agricultural Schemes held
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: An awareness camp was organised today by the Labour Department and Agriculture Department at Government Middle School, Kangar, in Block Bhalwal under Jammu North Assembly Constituency. The aim of the camp was to educate the rural population about a variety of welfare schemes and agricultural initiatives being run by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to uplift farmers, labourers, and the unorganised sector. The camp was graced by the presence of MLA Jammu North, Sham Lal Sharma, who attended as the Chief Guest.
Also present on the occasion were Assistant Labour Commissioner Jammu, Mrs. Rupali Jasrotia; Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer, Shri Khalid Hussain; BDO Bhalwal, Shri Sunil Sharma; Mandal President, Shri Rohit Verma; Former Mandal President, Shri Rakesh Singh; Former Sarpanch, Shri Rajdev Singh; Shri Narinder Singh; Shri Mohammad Amin; Mandal General Secretary, Shri Charanjit Singh; Shri Rajneesh Sharma; and other officials and community leaders. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a large number of villagers, farmers, and construction workers, who were briefed about various schemes aimed at improving their livelihoods and ensuring social security. The Labour Department highlighted key initiatives under the Jammu & Kashmir Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB), including registration and renewal of labour cards, marriage assistance, maternity benefits, disability support, chronic illness assistance, educational support for the wards of construction workers, and meritorious scholarships. Detailed discussions were also held on national-level initiatives like e-Shram registration and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, which aims to provide pension support to unorganised sector workers.
Simultaneously, the Agriculture Department presented an overview of several important schemes aimed at modernising and strengthening the farming community. These included the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), the Jammu & Kashmir Comprehensive Investment Plan (JK CIP), the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, and the Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. Officers also promoted the development of rainfed areas through the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as millets like Bajra and various oilseed crops, to enhance income and sustainability in low-irrigation zones.
Addressing the gathering, Sham appreciated the efforts of both departments for conducting the camp at the grassroots level and said that such initiatives are crucial in bridging the gap between government schemes and the public. He stated, “This awareness camp is an excellent initiative to bring essential information and benefits directly to our rural population. The schemes introduced by the Labour Department reflect the government’s commitment to social welfare and economic support for our working-class citizens. Similarly, the agriculture-related initiatives aim to empower farmers with modern tools, sustainable practices, and financial inclusion.”
He further added, “A scheme only becomes meaningful when people are aware and come forward to avail its benefits. I urge every eligible citizen to take full advantage of these government programmes. Our government stands committed to ensuring that every household, especially in remote and rural areas, has access to these opportunities.”
Sharma also emphasized the importance of community cooperation and active public participation in making development schemes successful. “Government alone cannot achieve inclusive growth,” he said. “When citizens participate, when youth get informed, and when panchayats work in tandem with departments, the impact of each scheme multiplies. I appeal to the people to act not just as beneficiaries but as stakeholders in the development process.”
The event concluded with on-the-spot assistance, scheme demonstrations, and active interaction between departmental officers and attendees. The camp reinforced the administration’s dedication to ensuring inclusive growth, citizen welfare, and equitable development across Jammu North.
