Poonch, March 6, 2025 – Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal, chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in the district, with a strong focus on enhancing rural income generation through Self-Help Groups . The meeting, held to strategise the empowerment of rural communities, highlighted the pivotal role of SHGs in fostering financial inclusion and sustainable livelihoods.
During the session, Kundal reviewed the block-wise physical and financial progress of NRLM initiatives. Discussions centered on strengthening SHG-bank linkages, promoting capacity-building trainings, and advancing livelihood initiatives. The meeting also explored the formation of new SHGs and the development of a robust action plan to diversify income-generating activities, particularly for rural women.
According to officials, Poonch currently has 4,377 SHGs with 31,110 active members, supported by 337 Village Organizations and 29 cluster-level federations. These figures underscore the extensive community engagement under NRLM in the district. The Lakhpati Didi initiative, aimed at enabling women to achieve an annual income of at least ₹1 lakh, was a key focus, with strategies discussed to identify and support potential beneficiaries.
Kundal emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts among SHGs to promote economic empowerment and self-reliance. He urged stakeholders to prioritize micro-credit schemes and innovative livelihood activities to uplift rural households. The meeting also highlighted the need for improved financial inclusion through stronger banking partnerships and skill development programs.
The NRLM, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to reduce poverty by mobilizing rural households into SHGs and providing access to financial and technical resources. In Poonch, the mission has gained momentum, with SHGs playing a transformative role in fostering women-led development and curbing rural migration.
The review meeting concluded with a call for a robust roadmap to ensure sustainable income growth, with Kundal directing officials to monitor progress closely and implement time-bound action plans. The initiative reflects the district administration’s commitment to aligning with national goals of doubling farmers’ incomes and promoting rural prosperity.