Nidhi reviews LRLM, focuses on SHG growth and market linkages

Leh: Administrative Secretary, Rural Development Department, UT Ladakh, Nidhi Malik on Friday directed officials to shift the focus of the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission (LRLM) from mere group formation to sustainable income generation, stressing the need for stronger market linkages, enhanced financial inclusion and greater support for women-led rural enterprises across the Union Territory.

Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the Mission, Malik assessed the progress of livelihood interventions, Self-Help Group (SHG) development, credit linkages, marketing initiatives and implementation of various components under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM).

Officials informed the meeting that LRLM, registered in April 2022 for implementing DAY-NRLM in Ladakh, has facilitated the formation of 2,310 Self-Help Groups, 248 Village Organisations and 18 Cluster Level Federations across the Union Territory. The review also covered savings mobilisation, revolving funds, institutional strengthening, capacity-building programmes and financial inclusion initiatives undertaken by the Mission.

Seeking detailed information on the functioning of community institutions, Malik reviewed savings practices, internal lending systems, record maintenance, audits and financial management procedures. She underlined the importance of strengthening SHG-bank linkages and ensuring timely access to credit for eligible groups to support livelihood generation activities.

Emphasising the need for sustainable economic outcomes, she directed officials to identify the genuine requirements of SHGs and facilitate access to subsidised machinery, equipment and common infrastructure to improve productivity and encourage enterprise development.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of farm and non-farm livelihood initiatives, including activities under the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs), the Lakhpati Didi programme and various marketing interventions. Discussions focused on value addition, enterprise development, revenue generation and utilisation of grants and revolving funds provided to community institutions.

Malik stressed the need to develop commercially viable business models in sectors such as dairy, handicrafts, handloom, food processing and traditional Ladakhi products. She called for strengthening branding, packaging and marketing support systems to improve market access and enhance earnings for rural producers.

Officials from Kargil, who participated virtually, briefed the meeting on the progress achieved under MKSP and VDVKs, while Mission authorities presented updates on financial performance, budget utilisation, digital monitoring systems and data management through the LokOS Management Information System.

Highlighting the importance of convergence, Malik directed the Mission to work closely with departments such as Handicrafts, Handloom, Industries and Commerce, and Cooperatives to expand market opportunities for SHG products. She said locally produced goods should be prominently showcased during official events, exhibitions, conferences and tourist gatherings to improve visibility and create sustained consumer demand.

The Administrative Secretary also emphasised the need to leverage digital platforms for wider outreach. She asked officials to explore partnerships with e-commerce platforms and online marketplaces while suggesting the creation of dedicated display and sales spaces at strategic public locations, including the upcoming terminal at Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport.

Calling for greater capacity building among rural entrepreneurs, Malik advocated regular training programmes, exposure visits and participation in national-level trade fairs and exhibitions. Such initiatives, she said, would equip SHG members with skills in entrepreneurship, product development, branding and business management.

Concluding the meeting, Malik said the long-term success of the Mission would depend on transforming Self-Help Groups into self-sustaining economic institutions capable of generating employment and stable incomes. She urged all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner to strengthen the rural economy and improve the socio-economic condition of women and rural households across Ladakh.

The meeting was attended by the State Programme Manager, officials of the Ladakh Rural Livelihood Mission and other concerned officers, while officers from Kargil joined through virtual mode.