J&K: Women associated with UMEED SHGs get a raise in their income
Jammu, Aug 4
The UMEED scheme, under the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission has brought significant change in the lives of women attached with the Self-Help Groups, by helping them financially and enhancing their means and modes of livelihood.
The change has become more visible in the past few years, especially in light of Jammu and Kashmir's integration with the mainland after Article 370 revocation.
Many women, associated with UMEED Self-Help Group in villages along the India-Pakistan International Border, said their lives have undergone a significant transformation.
They added that the scheme has given them a new direction and empowered them to become financially independent.
They said that for the past three years, they have been working at a bigger scale, engaged in businesses like production of spices, chilli products, and several other items.
They added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vocal for Local' initiative has contributed greatly to their cause, under the UMEED Scheme.
Around ten women are currently associated with the SHGs, with each member earning nearly Rs 20,000 per month.
They said that the group's annual income has touched income in lakhs.
Sushma, one of the beneficiaries, said that although she is associated with the UMEED Scheme, the real transformation in her life came after August 5, 2019.
She added that people living along the border now enjoy a greater sense of freedom and security.
She recalled that before the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, she wanted to avail the benefits of the Ladli Scheme for her daughter's future but was unable to do so.
Following the constitutional changes, she was able to receive those benefits, which she described as a gift from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
She also said that many more women have joined the initiative while several others are eager to become part of the programme.
Other beneficiaries also said that by joining the scheme, they are able to support their families and lead better lives. They credited the Prime Minister with empowering women and said that his vision has been strengthening women's economic participation.
The women added that despite the challenges of living in border areas, they are now participating in workshops, exhibitions, and bringing recognition to their region through locally-produced goods.
They said these opportunities have become possible because of the initiatives introduced by the Narendra Modi government.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative, but let's be honest - Rs 20,000 per month is still not enough in today's economy. My heart goes out to these women who live near the border with constant tension. The scheme is definitely helping, but we should also look at providing them better security and basic infrastructure like hospitals and schools. Nonetheless, every step counts. 👍
Lovely to see 'Vocal for Local' actually benefiting rural women. The spiced products they make are genuinely good - I've bought some at an exhibition in Delhi and they were top quality! More government schemes like this should focus on empowering women at the grassroots level. This is real development, not just talk.
As someone who has lived in the Valley, I can say that the sense of security these women feel now versus 10 years ago is a night-and-day difference. Yes, there's still work to do, but women are finally getting their due. The peace dividend is real. Hope this expands to even more villages. 🤞
What a beautiful transformation story! But I do wish the article told us more about what specific challenges they still face. Border areas have their own unique issues - like limited market access. Still, glad to see women leading the change and making their region proud. More power to them! 🙌
Old wine in a new bottle? SHGs have been around for decades. But I must admit the scale and the push from the top has been different. Border villages getting the Ladli scheme benefits is definitely a plus.
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