Srinagar 12 Aug : In another step towards the strengthening of rural women in the state of ‘Naya Jammu and Kashmir” the government has launched “Umeed Market Place” under the AVSAR (Airport as a Venue for Skilled Artisans of the Region) scheme of Airport Authority of India in Srinagar and Jammu airports. The outlets will display products produced by Self Help Groups (SHGs) from all 20 districts of the Union Territory.
More than five million women who are associated with SHGs will be benefitted by the establishment of “Umeed Maket Place” since stands will be provided to them for a period of 15 days on a rotational basis.The counters can also act as a place where passengers can make bulk orders and ask for custom-made corporate gifts, as well.
The airport marketplaces for the products made in rural areas are a step to increase the exposure of the SHGs in J&K and making the rural handicrafts accessible to travelers at affordable prices.
The “Umeed Market Place” will also offer an opportunity for women farmers from rural regions to become familiar with the latest market trends and adapt their products according to the demands of the buyers.
The merchandise of the SHGs will be marketed to the market at large and will also give rural women artisans with the opportunity to showcase their products in an entirely different setting.
A huge massive influx of tourists has transformed the Srinagar and Jammu airports into the busiest spots in J&K.
A huge amount of people visit the airports is an advantage for the “Umeed Market Place”.
Self Help Groups
There are currently over 56,000 SHGs in J&K and the government has set a goal of the formation of 11,000 additional SHGs before the end of the year.
After the Centre repealed Article 370, a temporary provision in the Constitution of India in August 2019 the government embarked on an effort to empower J&K women who were among the most vulnerable victims of the 30 years of Pakistan sponsored terror attacks in the Himalayan region.The formation of Self Help Groups as well as activating old ones were one of the elements of the efforts to strengthen women in the former princely state.
After the termination of J&K’s so-called special status and its transition to an Union Territory, the Himalayan region has witnessed a revival in cooperative movements to address the needs of development of the most marginalized sections of the population.
Slogan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi , ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi is implemented in spirit and letter with the emphasis on the agri-marketing industry, food processing, branding and supply of seeds, and other innovative initiatives in handicrafts and dairy.
Women are now an integral element of PM Modi’s vision.
Reforms after Aug 5, 2019
The reforms announced by the government since August 5 2019, have resulted in J&K women being the mainstay of the transformation.
They have transformed the SHGs in J&K into productive enterprises and have been at the forefront to bring about the much-needed empowerment and development in the region.The initiatives such as Saath, Hausla, Umeed, Tejaswini, etc.have laid a solid base to ensure financial freedom of women.women.
The J&K government has set up MahilaShakti Kendras in all districts across the Union Territory with One Stop Center that is connected with the helpline number 181.
The Mahila Shakti Kendra scheme under the umbrella Scheme Pradhan Mantri MahilaSashaktikaranYojana (PMMSY) provides an interface for rural women to approach the government for availing their entitlements and for empowering them through awareness generation, training and capacity building.
Rural women show their strength
Over the last three years the women from rural areas through the results of their dedication and sincerity have proved without doubt that they aren’t less than women in urban zones.
A couple of years ago women particularly in rural areas of J&K, had a single job to perform, i.e., to keep busy with household chores.Financial independence was not an option for women in J&K.The bold move taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s regime to abolish the so-called special statute of J&K resulted in an overall improvement in J&K’s overall situation and the outcomes are apparent.
J&K women who were considered commodities until August 5 2019 have become role models and sources of inspiration for women across the country.
The women in J&K are no longer fearful of terrorists who carried guns, and were known to throw acid at women for not wearing the burqa (veil).
The help given by the state government has led to the true potential of women women in the Himalayan region surfacing.
Disparities End
The products produced by the SHGs that are run by women have created an industry niche in an extremely competitive market.
Women who run the SHGs women in the remote rural regions are making sure that the wheels of economic progress.The inequalities and disparities which existed in the J&K society for the past 70 years have been eliminated and women have been given equal opportunities with men.Many women who were once able to be restricted to the confines of their homes are now successful entrepreneurs after getting a opportunity to develop their ideas.
The SHGs in the rural areas have brought women from various groups of the society closer one another.
They are now confident and are on the path that has helped them believe that determination, hard work and honesty are the keys to success.
The government is ready to honor 75 innovative women entrepreneurs of Rural Livelihood Mission Self Help Groups on Independence Day as an acknowledgment for their contribution to women empowerment.
Another major step
The initiatives of the government have instilled the feeling of security for women in areas of rural.Women in rural areas are now women are actively involved in political activities as well.
They have been made panchs, sarpanchs and of the members of District as well as Block Development Councils.They support men in all their activities and share the same duties.
The countryside of J&K has changed, and women have been the key in making this change.They have provided a fitting response to terrorists and their supporters by removing the social stigmas and taboos.
The “Umeed Market Place” located at Srinagar and Jammu airports has given them with another chance to showcase their talents and make clear that women from rural areas in J&K are able to compete with any other woman in the world.
dpb/
.
