UMEED scheme: Over 7 lakh women engaged in 80,000 self-help groups in J&K
Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Dec 25 (KINS): In a positive development towards women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, over 7 lakh women have become part of 80,000 self-help groups (SHGs) under the UMEED scheme, an initiative of the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM).
Launched in 2019, the UMEED scheme aims to uplift women from marginalized sections by involving them in sustainable livelihood ventures. According to a senior JKRLM official, women’s empowerment remains a top priority for the government.
“Over 7 lakh women have become part of 80,000 self-help groups (SHGs) under the UMEED scheme. These SHGs provide women with essential support to establish livelihood units and achieve financial independence,” the official told news agency KINS.
The initiative has proven transformative for rural women, helping them rise above poverty and improve their social standing within their families.
One such success story is Sabiya Jan from North Kashmir, who has enhanced the profitability of her boutique by training hundreds of young women in her area. “The scheme empowers us to support our families and take charge of our lives,” she said.
JKRLM’s mission extends to reaching 66% of the rural population across 125 blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, offering sustainable livelihood opportunities and fostering self-reliance. (KINS)
