Rajouri's Block Programme Manager, Aftab Ahmad, lauded the NRLM 'Umeed' programme for engaging 9,000 members in 1,100 SHGs. The initiative empowers women through eco-friendly crafts and has fostered self-reliance and financial independence.
While working in collaboration with the department, he said, "We have made concerted efforts to raise awareness about this initiative at the grassroots level, reaching every household, and the community has indeed reaped its benefits."
Eco-Friendly Handicrafts Drive Self-Reliance
Speaking about eco-friendly handicraft items made by women using chir pine needles, he said, "It is a very simple process, as it does not require them to purchase raw materials from any external source. When people take their livestock out for grazing, they simultaneously gather dry pine needles that have fallen to the ground. They collect these needles, bring them home, wash and dry them, and then, using just a needle and thread, they craft various products. These items are entirely eco-friendly and have no adverse environmental impact."
A Testimony of Transformation
A resident, Aarti, said, "When this scheme reached us in 2014, we used to sit idle all day and remain confined to our kitchen chores. We neither stepped out of the house nor were we aware of anything happening in the outside world. When this scheme came our way, we joined a Self-Help Group (SHG); subsequently, we brought other women on board as well. Today, we are self-reliant. Currently, at least 100 to 150 women are working alongside us."
About the NRLM Scheme
NRLM is a central poverty alleviation scheme aimed at empowering rural poor women by organising them into SHGs to achieve financial independence, sustainable livelihoods, and improved access to financial services. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)