SRINAGAR, May 16, 2025 – The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), through its Umeed program, has launched a significant initiative to promote health and hygiene among Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Food, Nutrition, Health, and WASH (FNHW) program, JKRLM is organizing health camps to empower rural women with essential knowledge and resources to enhance community well-being.
The initiative focuses on equipping SHG members with practical tools to improve personal and community hygiene, nutrition, and health practices. These health camps address critical areas such as menstrual hygiene, sanitation, and preventive healthcare, fostering self-reliance and empowerment among rural women. By integrating these efforts with JKRLM’s mission of economic and social upliftment, the program aims to drive sustainable change in rural communities.
A JKRLM spokesperson stated, “The health camps are transforming lives by providing SHG members with the knowledge to lead healthier lives and uplift their communities.” The initiative’s grassroots approach, utilizing the SHG network, ensures vital health information reaches remote areas.
The health camps are supported by collaborations with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Information and Public Relations, and local health authorities. These partnerships provide SHG members with expert guidance on clean water access, sanitation facilities, and nutritional awareness, aligning with national health schemes like Ayushman Bharat.
Building on past efforts, such as the 2022 partnership with Meesho to support 1,800 SHGs in e-commerce and the inclusion of five lakh SHG women in the AB-PMJAY SEHAT scheme for health insurance, JKRLM continues to combine economic empowerment with health education for holistic development.
The program has gained traction on social media, with posts from JKRLM and local news outlets highlighting its impact. One post noted, “JKRLM enhances Health Hygiene Among SHGs; under FNHW conducts Health Camps across all districts of J&K,” underscoring the initiative’s reach.
As JKRLM expands its outreach, the health and hygiene program is poised to strengthen SHG resilience, enabling women to drive positive change in their households and communities. The initiative highlights the power of collective action in addressing rural health challenges and advancing women’s empowerment.
