Kargil, Sep 08: Joint Secretary of NRLM, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, Smriti Sharan, accompanied by Anchor Person NRLM for UT Ladakh, Shrimati Vasuda Shukla, along with the NRLM Team, paid a visit to TSG and Sankoo in Kargil today.

During their visit, they engaged with local village organizations and members of Self Help Groups (SHGs). The SHG members showcased local and forest products at stalls established in collaboration with BDO Drass, in coordination with ACD Office.During the visit, the NRLM team, along with Director RD&PRD, Tahir Hussain Zabdavi, ACD Kargil, Ghulam Mohd, and BDO Sankoo, Kaneez Fatima, provided a comprehensive briefing on the operations and overview of SHGs.

They discussed the various livelihood products being developed by the SHGs and also highlighted the challenges that these groups have encountered. The Joint Secretary recommended that NRLM members should focus on strengthening the NRLM program, which is dedicated to empowering women in rural villages of Ladakh. Smriti Sharan instructed the NRLM team to acknowledge that the SHGs in the region are in their early stages, underscoring the importance of launching their efforts with unwavering commitment right from the outset.

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She encouraged SHG members to leverage the support of the NRLM team and advised them to prioritize savings, which will prove beneficial in the long term. She also emphasized to technological intervention for local forest products in rural villages for SHG VO and CLF so that value addition in all sectors may achieved in time bound period.

The Joint Secretary also inquired about various trades and gave a patient hearing to the grievances of SHGs and assured for all possible support. She was overwhelmed by the products showcased by the SHG groups. She emphasized various schemes pertinent to women empowerment by the Ministry of RDD. Furthermore, Smriti Sharan asked the SHGs to focus on packaging and marketing. Later, she thanked all the allied departments for their contribution and asked for joint coordination to support them and make them financially independent.