SRINAGAR, MAR 05: The UMEED scheme, initiated in 2019, has significantly impacted the lives of women in Jammu and Kashmir.
This centrally sponsored program, operating under the J&K National Rural Livelihoods Mission, aims to foster self-dependence and self-sufficiency among women. It encourages small savings, enabling Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to become bankable with reduced interest rates.
Sayima Jan, a 28-year-old lady from North Kashmir, along with a group of girls, embarked on a journey to empower herself and her community through the art of handicrafts.
With a keen eye for traditional craftsmanship, she decided to harness her skills and those of other talented women in the area to create a thriving business.
“We received training to learn embroidery work under the UMEED scheme. We have now set up our own centre, do embroidery work and then sell to dealers,” Sayima said.
She said they make good earnings since they received training under the scheme.
Sayima’s venture serves as inspiration for other women entrepreneurs in Kashmir.
Mehak Jan of DownTown Srinagar, who is part of another group, highlights the positive impact of the initiative.
“Our group was given loans when needed, which we also repaid. Our earnings have increased, allowing us to create jobs for others,” she said.
A senior official of Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission (JKRLM), said the empowerment of women has been the top priority of the government.
“At least 6.75 women are part of 74,000 self help groups (SHGs) who are associated with the UMEED in J&K. These women receive all possible support from the government to start their units and make their earnings,” the official added.
JKRLM is emerging as the ray of hope for rural women as the programme has brought self-sufficiency among them. The women have not only come out of poverty but their status has also been raised within their own families by this mission. JKRLM, with its mandate to reach 66% of the rural population across 125 blocks in Jammu and Kashmir, is becoming a beacon of hope for rural women. The program not only lifts women out of poverty but also elevates their status within their families. The core values guiding JKRLM include the inclusion of the poor, transparency, accountability, and the key role of the poor in all stages of planning and implementation.
