Jammu, August 28: A one-day workshop was organized for Self Help Groups (SHGs) at Panchayat Bhavan, Jammu by Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj as a part of the ongoing sustainable Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) campaign to acquaint these groups with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to spread awareness on cleanliness and sanitation in their areas.
The workshop aimed to train SHGs of JKSRLM as Master Trainers in different components of Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) to sustain the status of ODF Plus Model already achieved by the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from numerous SHGs across the UT of J&K. SHGs in Jammu division attended the workshop in person while as, SHGs from Kashmir division attended the workshop through Video Conference (VC).
The participants were treated to a comprehensive agenda that covered topics ranging from Solid Waste Management (SWM), Grey Water Management (GWM), Home Composting Methods (HH), Community Level Composting Methods (CLC), Plastic Waste Management (PWM), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Zero Waste to behavior change communication strategies. The workshop aimed not only to educate the attendees about the importance of maintaining cleanliness but also to provide them with practical tools to spread awareness in their respective areas.
The workshop commenced with an opening address by Director Rural Sanitation, J&K Charandeep Singh, highlighting the importance of community-driven initiatives and collective efforts in realizing the objectives of the post ODF plus model status under Swachh Bharat Mission Phase-II in the UT. He highlighted the role of SHGs in creating an impact on Swachh Bharat Mission in the UT.
Director emphasized the need for sustained efforts and community engagement in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the surroundings. He also stressed that after the completion of workshop, the participants must demonstrate waste segregation techniques, composting methods, and innovative ways to reduce single-use plastic in their respective areas.
A short film on Swachh Bharat Mission- Grameen journey in J&K was also screened in the workshop to highlight the achievements of SBM-G in the UT.
Experts from National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad imparted the training of Master Trainers of different SHGs.
The training program was interactive, allowing participants to share their experiences and challenges in their efforts towards cleanliness and waste management. This exchange of ideas created a vibrant platform for cross-learning and mutual support among the SHGs. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the opportunity to learn, share, and contribute towards a Swachh J&K. Several SHG members expressed their commitment to implementing the knowledge gained from the workshop within their communities.
