Bilal Habib
Awantipora, August 7: Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, Aijaz Asad, accompanied by Mission Director, Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Dr. Shubhra Sharma, on Friday visited Awantipora and inaugurated three passenger vehicles under the Aajeevika Grameen Express Yojana (AGEY). The vehicles were formally handed over to selected Self-Help Group (SHG) members to strengthen rural transport services and create sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The AGEY vehicles are expected to provide reliable and affordable transport facilities to people living in remote rural areas where public transport services are limited or unavailable. Besides improving rural connectivity, the initiative will enable SHG members to become self-employed while generating additional employment opportunities in rural areas, officials told Kashmir Convener.
During the visit, the Secretary and the Mission Director also inspected food processing enterprises established under the UMEED–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) in Awantipora. They interacted with SHG members, reviewed the functioning of the units, and appreciated their efforts in promoting value addition, rural entrepreneurship, and income generation. The officers emphasized the need to strengthen such enterprises to enhance livelihood opportunities and boost the rural economy.
The visiting officials also reviewed the implementation of various UMEED-NRLM programmes in the area and stressed the importance of effective execution of livelihood initiatives to ensure greater socio-economic empowerment of rural communities.
Speaking to the media, Secretary Aijaz Asad said that in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Rural Livelihoods Mission is known as UMEED, which truly symbolizes hope for lakhs of women across the Union Territory. He said the Mission is transforming the lives of rural women by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, promoting financial independence, and encouraging entrepreneurship.
Referring to the day’s programme, the Secretary said that three passenger vehicles were handed over to eligible SHG members under the AGEY scheme to improve transport connectivity in underserved rural areas while creating a sustainable source of income for women beneficiaries.
He further said that the food processing enterprises established under UMEED-NRLM would promote value addition to locally produced agricultural commodities, generate employment, and encourage women-led enterprises. The government, he added, remains committed to strengthening rural livelihoods, empowering women economically, and ensuring that they become self-reliant contributors to the local economy.
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