Sustainable and Holistic Devtt of Rural Areas Pre-requisite for Devtt of the Nation: Union Rural Development and PR Minister

 

_Shri Giriraj Singh Visits B'la; Interacts with SHG Members, Terms their Role Pivotal in Rural Poverty Alleviation

Baramulla, October 02: Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Shri Giriraj Singh today asserted that holistic and sustainable development of the nation is possible only if the rural areas are developed at grass root level. He added that present government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very keen to empower the villages by means of more financial devolution and democratic decentralisation.

 

The minister made these remarks at a function organised by Jammu Kashmir- Rural Livelihood Mission -UMEED at Singhpora Pattan of Baramulla district. The Minister paid his visit to the area as part of central government's special public outreach programme which aimed to get the first hand appraisal of public feedbacks at the ground level.

 

Paying rich tributes to the stalwarts viz Mahatma Gandhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri on their birth anniversaries. Shri Giriraj Singh recalled their contribution for rural development by means of Gram Swaraj and Gram development. He said that women have a leading role in socio-economic development adding that it is heartening to see women folk scaling new heights in different frameworks. He added that women possess an immense potential and there is a need to give appropriate and right platforms where they can can showcase their talent.

 

While terming the PRIs as the real agents of rural development, the minister emphasized upon them to play a positive and productive role so as to ensure holistic and inclusive development at grass root levels. He assured that full support and cooperation shall be provided to them on the part of union government adding that J&K UT is the first region where 73rd constitutional amendment has been effectively implemented. He also enlisted various initiatives taken to create viable and sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural areas and said that efforts are being taken to ensure financial inclusion at gram panchayat level.

 

At the outset, the minister inspected the stalls that were installed by several Self Help Groups (SHG) showcasing the products made by the members. He also interacted with them during which they shared their experiences and journeys pertaining to the establishment of their units. He assured that SHg products will be linked with India Expo for wider marketing and sales.

 

Mission Director JKRLM-UMEED, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar gave a detailed power point presentation wherein she highlighted progress cum performance achieved by means of different socio-economic interventions. She also presented a detailed overview of JKRLM and other related aspects.

 

Several SHG members also spoke at the event during which they presented their success stories pertaining to successful implementation of JKRLM-UMEED in their respective domains.

 

Meanwhile, DDC Chairperson Baramulla Safeena Beigh extended gratitude of the central government for conducting the outreach programme so as to hear the common masses. She urged upon the higher authorities to redress the core and basic grievances of the people so as to satiate the aspirations of common people. She also highlighted various issues and demands having larger public significance besides urged to redress them on priority basis

 

Earlier, the Minister, in presence of District Development Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar and other senior functionaries, e-Inaugurated several community assets worth Rs 664.72 lacs. These community assets have been developed by Rural Development Department under MGNREGA and other sponsored programmes.

 

Director Rural Development Department Kashmir Tariq Ahmad Zargar, SSP Baramulla Rayees Mohammad Bhat, DDC members, BDC Chairpersons, PRIs, district and sectoral officers among other concerned functionaries were present on the occasion.