GANDERBAL: As part of the ongoing initiatives for promotion of sustainable livelihoods and women-led entrepreneurship under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), the Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal today visited “Umeed Ka Zaika”, an SHG run Food Outlet established at District Hospital Ganderbal.
The food outlet, being managed and operated by members of a Self-Help Group (SHG), is providing hygienic, nutritious and affordable food and refreshments to patients, attendants and hospital staff, while simultaneously creating a sustainable source of livelihood and income for the SHG members.
During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner interacted with the SHG members and enquired about the functioning of the food outlet, the facilities being provided and the challenges, if any, being faced by them. He appreciated the initiative and lauded the SHG members for taking up the enterprise with commitment and dedication.
The Deputy Commissioner encouraged the members to further strengthen and expand their enterprise, maintain high standards of hygiene and quality, and ensure that food and refreshments are made available at reasonable and affordable rates to patients, attendants and hospital staff.
He emphasized that such SHG led enterprises are an important component of livelihood promotion under JKRLM and have significant potential to empower women economically by providing them with sustainable income opportunities and greater financial independence.
The Deputy Commissioner further observed that successful SHG enterprises can serve as an inspiration for other members associated with NRLM to come forward, identify locally viable livelihood opportunities and take up sustainable entrepreneurial activities.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the SHG ecosystem in the district through continued handholding, capacity building and facilitation of viable livelihood activities, so that more women can become economically self reliant and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of their families and communities.
The DC reiterated the commitment of the District Administration towards promoting women-led enterprises, encouraging self employment and facilitating sustainable livelihood opportunities for SHG members across the district.
