Jammu, January 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the Umeed Programme, vowing to provide necessary funds, streamline procedures, and take all essential steps to ensure the continued growth and success of the initiative.
The Chief Minister made these remarks during the ‘Lakhpati Didi Sammelan,’ organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihood Mission under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, at the Convention Centre in Jammu.
Expressing pride in the programme’s impact, Omar Abdullah stated, “As I stand here today, my heart is filled with pride. I want to assure all of you—our daughters, sisters, and mothers—that the government is fully committed to supporting this programme. We will do everything necessary to ensure its growth, provide adequate funding, and simplify procedures to empower more women.”
Highlighting the success of the Umeed Programme, the Chief Minister shared that over 12,000 women, referred to as ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ have been empowered so far. He expressed hope that this number will increase significantly, emphasizing that financial independence for women strengthens individuals and society as a whole. “This programme, which began during my first tenure as Chief Minister, has exceeded expectations. Who would have thought that this initiative would lead to the emergence of Lakhpati Didis in Jammu and Kashmir? Yet here we are, witnessing incredible stories of success and achievement,” he said.
The Chief Minister commended the fiscal discipline of the women involved, noting that their responsibility in timely repayments has garnered trust from banks and financial institutions. “If all sectors operated with the same integrity and accountability that you have shown, Jammu and Kashmir’s economic landscape would be transformed,” he remarked.
Omar Abdullah stressed the transformative power of financial independence for women, adding, “When women—our mothers, sisters, and daughters—become self-reliant, the entire society benefits. This empowers you to make decisions that create a better future for yourselves and your families.”
He also acknowledged the quiet but impactful progress of the Umeed Programme, stating, “While many projects are surrounded by politics and noise, the progress achieved by this programme speaks volumes in silence. It has done wonders without fanfare.”
The Chief Minister noted how many women have not only achieved self-reliance but have also created job opportunities for others. “You are no longer just beneficiaries; you are leaders and torchbearers of change,” he said.
Recognizing the programme’s potential to serve as a national model, Omar Abdullah encouraged other states to replicate its success. He further announced plans for skill development and training opportunities for women entrepreneurs across India, with a batch of women scheduled to travel to Ahmedabad for advanced training at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII).
During the event, the Chief Minister virtually launched several key initiatives aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs under the Umeed Programme. These included the felicitation of 11,936 Lakhpati Didis, the e-delivery of engagement orders for 650 banking correspondents, and the e-inauguration of four Common Training Centres to enhance the capacity of potential Lakhpati Didis.
Additionally, CM Omar Abdullah witnessed the e-disbursement of loans amounting to Rs 50 crore to 2,016 Self-Help Groups and Rs 2.31 crore to 165 Cluster Level Federations for the establishment of mini-custom hiring centers.
The Chief Minister also flagged off a group of women entrepreneurs who will undergo advanced training at EDII in Ahmedabad.
The event also featured a documentary showcasing the journey of the Umeed Programme, highlighting its transformative impact. Two Lakhpati Didis shared their inspiring success stories with the audience, including the Chief Minister.