STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired the 9th Executive Council Meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM) to comprehensively review its performance under the UMEED (National Rural Livelihood Mission – NRLM) framework and to outline a future roadmap for strengthening rural livelihoods and women-led development across the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD), Managing Director JKRLM, Director General (Resources), Director General (Budget), Chief Operating Officer HIMAYAT, Convenor UTLBC and other senior officers. During the deliberations, the Chief Secretary emphasized the need to deepen credit linkages and enhance the capacity of Self Help Groups (SHGs) so they evolve into sustainable rural enterprises, reiterating that enterprise development remains the core objective of SHG formation.He stressed the importance of operationalising Community Managed Training Centres (CMTCs) in every district, ensuring quality skill development through trained OMPLIS resource persons. He noted that CMTCs should function as vibrant learning spaces where women can continuously upgrade skills and explore livelihood opportunities.Highlighting the role of financial inclusion, the Chief Secretary directed substantial enhancement of income for Banking Correspondents (BCs). He called for greater involvement of Common Service Centres (CSCs) and J&K Bank to increase transaction volumes, thereby improving the sustainability and earnings of BCs. He also urged effective utilisation of the Lal Ded Stree Shakti Scheme and Mission YUVA, encouraging women entrepreneurs to surpass the ‘Lakhpati’ benchmark. Setting an ambitious goal, he directed doubling the number of ‘Millionaire Didis’ from 50 to 100 within six months.Earlier, Secretary RDD Aijaz Asad informed that the UMEED programme is being implemented in 285 blocks across all 20 districts, covering almost the entire rural landscape of J&K. He stated that 7,84,053 rural households have been mobilised into 96,000 SHGs, federated into 7,453 Village Organisations and 650 Cluster Level Federations. Capitalisation support of Rs 528.86 crore has been extended to community institutions, while since 2013-14, Rs 2,912.66 crore in bank credit has been accessed by over 67,000 SHGs.Managing Director JKRLM, Subhra Sharma, presented key achievements, stating that under the Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP), 8,231 rural enterprises have been supported in 14 blocks with Rs 18.71 crore disbursed as Community Investment Fund. Farm-based livelihood interventions have benefited over 5.15 lakh Mahila Kisans through agro-ecological practices and improved livestock management.During the current financial year, assistance under CIF exceeded targets, benefiting 3,459 SHGs with Rs 22.49 crore, while Revolving Fund support reached 1,688 SHGs with Rs 2.53 crore. Cumulatively, over 78,500 SHGs have received Rs 117 crore as RF and 65,000 SHGs have availed CIF support of Rs 402.83 crore.Under the Lal Ded Stree Shakti Scheme, 2,356 cases worth Rs 25.59 crore have been sponsored so far for FY 2025-26, with 709 cases already sanctioned. Doorstep banking services have been strengthened through 710 SHG members working as Banking Correspondents.The Lakhpati Didi Mission has shown significant progress, with over 2.01 lakh women already achieving Lakhpati status. Additionally, skill training has been imparted to over 17,500 SHG members, SHG products promoted through SARAS Melas, exhibitions and e-commerce platforms, and market access strengthened via Haats and airport outlets.The meeting concluded with a roadmap focusing on enterprise scaling, cluster-based growth, high-end skill development, financial literacy and exposure visits to best livelihood models across the country.