Empowering Rural Women: The Impact of NRLM in Rajouri, J&K
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Rajouri, March 8 (NationPress) The National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) is significantly contributing to the empowerment of rural women by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in the border district of Rajouri, located in Jammu and Kashmir.
The initiative is designed to assist impoverished families, particularly women, in achieving financial independence through the establishment of Self Help Groups (SHGs) and small-scale livelihood units across various blocks within the district.
As part of this initiative, the NRLM department has set up numerous women SHGs where participants are involved in various income-generating activities.
A notable example is the "Kangan Spices Namkeen, Packing and Manufacturing Unit" situated in the Choudhary Nar region of Rajouri, where a collective of rural women is earning a consistent monthly income through packing work.
The workforce primarily consists of economically disadvantaged, widowed, and poor women, many of whom previously lacked a dependable source of income.
Currently, these women are engaged in sugar packing as part of the scheme.
By working for approximately one hour each day, they can earn between Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 monthly, providing essential support for their families.
In interviews with the media, the women expressed that the scheme has ushered in a positive transformation in their lives.
They noted that prior to joining the SHG, they were unemployed and reliant on others. However, through the NRLM initiative, they have secured a source of income and the confidence to contribute to their households.
District Programme Manager (DPM) Hakim Imtiyaz reported that the NRLM scheme is operational across 19 civic blocks of Rajouri district, where various SHGs are engaged in diverse livelihood initiatives.
In addition to packing units, the department is also fostering mushroom cultivation, dairy farming, and other small enterprises aimed at generating employment and enhancing rural livelihoods.
Over time, the NRLM initiative has evolved into a robust support system for rural women, empowering them to secure a livelihood and contribute to the economic development of their families and communities.