SRINAGAR: A two-day Regional Workshop on Rural Livelihoods concluded today at Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) Kashmir, focusing on enhancing Self-Help Group (SHG) livelihoods through convergence. The Regional Workshop organised by DAY NRLM, Ministry of Rural Development, GoI was hosted by Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Govt of J&K.
The focus States/UTs were Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. This Workshop was a part of a series of five Regional Workshops being organized by NRLM in the 5 Lakhpati Didi zones. It aims to deepen, strengthen, and expand livelihood opportunities for rural SHG women.
The workshop was virtually inaugurated by Shailesh Kumar Singh, Union Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development in the presence of Charanjit Singh, Union Additional Secretary, NRLM, MoRD; Swati Sharma, Union Joint Secretary, NRLM, MoRD; Gyanbhushan, Senior Economic Advisor, Union Ministry of Tourism, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, J&K; Mridhu Slathia, Additional Mission Director JKRLM Jammu Division; Reyaz Ahmad Beigh, Additional Mission Director JKRLM Kashmir Division; Mission Directors of the participating SRLMs; National Mission Management Unit; State Project Managers; District Project Managers and Block Project Managers.
In his inaugural address, Union Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development highlighted rural livelihoods as a critical component in this journey, acknowledging the numerous challenges faced, including limited infrastructure, inadequate access to credit, employment issues, and skill gaps.
He also emphasised the importance of the extensive network of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as a powerful tool for addressing these challenges. The Secretary MoRD stressed the importance of building reliable supply chains for rural products and leveraging digital platforms for marketing.
Union Additional Secretary, NRLM, MoRD, Charanjit Singh highlighted significant human resource challenges that are hindering the effective implementation of NRLM programs, particularly in northern states.
He emphasized the critical need for filling vacant posts, providing timely credit and establishing a robust HR policy to ensure the smooth operation and success of various developmental areas.
Union Joint Secretary, NRLM, MoRD, Swati Sharma, while setting the context for the Regional Workshop emphasized on the crucial need for innovation and technological adaptation to enhance rural livelihoods.
She highlighted the opportunities and the potential of the six Northern State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs) and stressed the importance of leveraging past successes to drive future growth. Sharma outlined key areas for improvement, including access to formal credit systems, infrastructure, marketing avenues, advanced technologies, and entrepreneurial skill sets. She focussed on the necessity for embracing technological changes and ensuring that rural workers are not only tech-savvy but also able to make a mark on the global stage.
Secretary RDD, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary while highlighting the importance of the two day Regional Workshop said that the workshop will be instrumental for SRLMs in identifying and addressing challenges, and in exploring new growth opportunities through expert guidance which in return, promises substantial benefits for the SHGs.
Experts from Technical Support Agencies, convergence partners of Ministry of Rural Development, subject matter experts from various quarters from both farm and non-farm livelihoods Ministry of Agri, Ministry of Textiles, DGFT, CFTRI, Deptt of Animal Husbandry GoI , Punjab Agriculture University, CSIR - HP, Ministry of Tourism, CII, NIFT , IIM Jammu , SKAUST Kashmir, National Institute of Rural Development, Indian Meteorological Department, BIS and others participated in the workshop with full zeal and vigour.
Speaking at the workshop Mission Director, JKRLM, Indu Kanwal Chib expressed her happiness and felt honoured for JKRLM being given a chance in hosting this significant Regional Workshop on Rural Livelihoods. She highlighted the importance of bringing together representatives from the six states and Union Territories to strategize on enhancing rural livelihoods through various interventions and approaches.
The two day workshop covered crucial aspects of livelihood, including value chain improvements, market linkages, service sector growth, and technological interventions. Experts from diverse fields, including tourism, textiles, agriculture, animal husbandry, food technology, and meteorology, contribute to the dialogues.
In addition, as part of making of 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, NRLM had organised special sessions on filling of Digital Aajeevika Registers. Towards the end of the workshop all the six states/ UTs delivered presentations reagrding the activities being carried on in each of the states/UTs, the successful interventions and the challenges faced during the implementations of the interventions.
Earlier, Swati Sharma, Joint Secretary, NRLM, MoRD, GoI visited a remote area in Drugmulla in district Kupwara where she interacted with the women Self Help Groups of JKRLM. She visited a restaurant, hollow brick unit and Bungus valley FPO successfully run by SHG women of JKRLM. She talked to the SHG members regarding electronic uploading of JKRLM data in this remote block before having a detailed interaction with SHG Didis in DMMU Kupwara in presence of Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan.
The delegates of all the five states and the thematic experts also visited the UMEED women haat at Dal lake and were given an idea of the products prepared by the UMEED rural women in the UT of J&K. An outcome report is under preparation in order to get a road map for future based on the learnings.
JAMMU: In a focussed effort to accelerate development, DDC Chairman Jammu, Bharat Bhushan chaired a meeting of District Development Council, Jammu to discuss and approve the District Capex Budget 2024-25 of Jammu district.
The meeting was attended by Vice Chairman Suraj Singh, all other District Development Council members, ADDC, Sher Singh, Chief Planning Officer, Uttam Singh, ACD Dr. Vikas Sharma, BDOs and other concerned Sectoral/ District officers.
The meeting saw comprehensive discussions on procedural aspects and the distribution of funds. DDC members and Block Development Officers actively engaged in deliberations, highlighting their concerns and the challenges they face in delivering services to the public.
The proposed plans of Key sectors and schemes such as PHE, Irrigation, Education, PWD, Youth Services and Sports, Health, Samridh Seema Yojana, DDC, BDC, PRI, APDP and ABDP under District Capex Budget 2024-25 were discussed in detail.
The Council emphasised the importance of regularly holding Gram Sabhas and incorporating public feedback and opinions of their elected representatives to ensure effective governance.
The council observed that public complaints should be considered earnestly and resolutions must be promptly addressed. A significant resolution passed by the Council focussed on the reallocation of lapsed funds of 2023-24 District Capex Budget.
Chairman Bharat Bhushan stressed that irrigation is a vital sector and block administrators must ensure that rejuvenation and restoration works under MGNREGA or other relevant schemes are taken up immediately.
The meeting concluded with approval of the District Development Council to the Plan proposals of 2024-25 with slight changes in proposal under BDC and PRI components and underlined the need for enhanced coordination among various departments to ensure the timely and efficient execution of development projects, thus contributing to the overall growth and prosperity of the region.
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the inaugural edition of ‘Kashmir Marathon’, at Raj Bhawan. The meeting was attended by Sh Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Ms. Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner/Secretary, Tourism Department and other senior officials.
Padma Shri Chewang Motup Goba, Founder & Race Director Ladakh Marathon also attended the meeting. The meeting discussed the roadmap, timelines and promotional strategies for the event which is likely to be held in Srinagar in October. The Lt Governor reiterated the commitment of the UT Administration to put Jammu Kashmir on the global tourism map and developing the Union Territory as an ideal destination for adventure tourism and a hub of running events.
The Lt Governor said that the eyes of the world will be on Jammu Kashmir as we conduct this marathon event and people especially those associated with trade and tourism will have an opportunity to present our unique culture and warm hospitality to participants from India and abroad.
The prime objective of the Kashmir Marathon is to showcase J&K’s potential internationally and promote eco-friendly tourism and encourage health and wellness. The local communities will also be involved in planning and running the event to foster pride and a sense of belonging, besides showcasing Kashmir’s rich heritage and scenic beauty. Runners from across India and Abroad are expected to participate in two running disciplines: marathon (42 km) and half marathon (21 km).
SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Wednesday visited Shrine of Shams-ud-Din Araqi (R.A), Zadibal and Imambara Hasanabad to take stock of arrangements ensured for smooth observance of religious occasions during the ongoing holy month of Muharram ul Haram including mourning processions and religious gatherings.
The Div Com was accompanied by Commissioner SMC, Dr Owais Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi Ud Din Bhat; SSP Traffic Srinagar, Muzaffar Shah and senior officers from PWD, PHE, PDD, Health, Tourism and other concerned departments.
During his visit to Zadibal, Div Com maintained that the macadamization in Shia dominated areas have been already completed to facilitate them during holy month, while arrangements for electricity and drinking water besides sanitation has also been ensured for smooth observance of religious activities.
On the occasion, he directed concerned for construction of separate sanitary complex for women, while instructing SMC for providing mobile toilets during the Muharram days for immediate convenience. He also visited different areas of Saidakadal including Kani Mohalla and Aram Mohala where he was apprised about various developmental requirements.
On the occasion, Div Com instructed concerned LCMA officer to repair the damaged wooden bridges connecting various habitations and directed him to initiate repairing work immediately from tomorrow. He said that the facilities have been upgraded everywhere and the local people also appreciate administration for fulfilling their requirements for smooth conduct of religious obligations.
Meanwhile, Div Com instructed SMC officers to ensure proper maintenance of sanitation and cleanliness, and regular lifting of garbage and its disposal in the area and other Shia dominated areas of Srinagar. Health authorities were directed to depute team of doctors along with ambulances to provide medical facilities to the mourners.
JAMMU: Two days mega placement drive was organized by Government Polytechnic Jammu on the 9th and 10th of July, 2024, to provide employment opportunities to the pass-out Polytechnic students.
The drive was conducted by Tata Motors for the recruitment at their Sanand plant in Gujarat for the diploma students of Electrical, Mechanical, Automobile and Instrumentation and Control and Electronics & Comm. Engineering. The mega placement drive was conducted successfully under the distinguished guidance of Sudershan Kumar, Director; Skill Development Department J&K.
On the concluding day Sudershan Kumar interacted with the placed students, and encouraged them to wholeheartedly join the Tata group. He also appreciated the efforts of Er. Arun Bangotra and his Team for organizing such a mega placement drive to provide employment to the students.
About 215 Students participated in the placement drive out of which 111 students from Government Polytechnic Jammu, Women Polytechnic Jammu, Government Polytechnic Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Udhampur, Ramban, Rajouri, NITS, and IECS were selected.
Er. Arun Bangotra, Principal of the Institute thanked Tata Motors for providing the job opportunity to the Polytechnic students. He also impressed upon the students to participate in the placement drive with full enthusiasm and make full use of their professional and technical skill for employability to various organizations.
Mr. Naim Qureshi HR Manager from Tata Motors delivered a pre-placement talk to the students, following which written tests and personal interviews were conducted over the two-day recruitment event.
The arrangements for the placement drive were done by the Training and placement cell of Polytechnic, Er. Ajay Thapa, OIC and his dedicated team, including Rishabh Gupta and Manmoham Singh.
Others present on the occasion were Inderjeet Singh, Workshop Superintendent; Manjeet Singh, HOD Electrical Engg, Raj Shekhar, HOD Automobile Engg, Sanjay Koul, HOD of Computer Engg, Er Rani Devi, HOD I.T; and Sanam Gupta, Incharge Mechanical Engg Deptt., Amit Sharma, I/C T&T, and staff of the college.
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