Udhampur| March 08, 2025
On this International Women’s Day, the spotlight shines on the women of Udhampur district in Jammu & Kashmir, who are steadily carving paths to self-reliance and empowerment through transformative government initiatives. Schemes such as Self Help Groups , the National Rural Livelihood Mission , and the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme are proving to be game-changers, enabling women to break traditional barriers and contribute to both their households and the broader community.
SHGs: Building Communities of Strength
Self Help Groups have emerged as a cornerstone of women’s empowerment in Udhampur. These grassroots collectives bring women together to pool resources, access credit, and develop skills, fostering financial independence. In rural pockets of the district, SHGs have enabled women to launch small-scale enterprises—ranging from handicrafts to food processing—transforming them into entrepreneurs. Local officials note that these groups not only provide economic support but also create a platform for mutual learning and social upliftment, strengthening the fabric of rural society.
NRLM: A Lifeline for Livelihoods
The National Rural Livelihood Mission, implemented in Jammu & Kashmir as the Jammu & Kashmir State Rural Livelihood Mission (JKSRLM) or “Umeed,” has been instrumental in reaching out to women in Udhampur. With a mandate to cover 66% of the rural population across J&K’s 125 blocks, NRLM focuses on organizing women into SHGs and equipping them with training and financial support. In Udhampur’s Panchari block, for instance, women have taken up the cultivation of medicinal plants like marigolds under the IIIM Aroma Mission, selling seeds and extracting oils with the aid of a distillation unit. Such initiatives have not only boosted incomes but also elevated women’s status within their families, offering a sustainable path out of poverty.
PMEGP: Igniting Entrepreneurial Dreams
The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme has further fueled this wave of empowerment by providing credit-linked subsidies to establish micro-enterprises. In Udhampur, women are leveraging PMEGP to set up ventures in both rural and urban areas, from traditional crafts to modern service-based businesses. The scheme, administered by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and implemented through agencies like the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), has opened doors for women with minimal educational qualifications to become job creators rather than job seekers. This has been particularly impactful in a region where economic opportunities for women have historically been limited.
A Step Toward Gender Equality
The progress in Udhampur reflects a broader shift toward gender equality and sustainable development. Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, Saloni Rai, highlighted the significance of these schemes, stating, “The strides made by women in this district mark a significant step forward. By breaking barriers and achieving self-reliance, they are not only transforming their own lives but also inspiring others.” Local women echo this sentiment, sharing stories of newfound confidence and economic stability, whether through crafting products from pine needles to combat forest fires or mastering skills like pickle-making under JKSRLM training programs.
Crafting a Brighter Future
As Udhampur’s women harness these government-backed opportunities, they are redefining their roles in society. From the looms of traditional artisans to the ledgers of modern entrepreneurs, their contributions are enriching the district’s cultural and economic landscape. On March 08, 2025, as the world celebrates International Women’s Day, the women of Udhampur stand as a testament to the power of Nari Shakti—driving change, one empowered step at a time.