Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the PM Van Dhan Vikas Yojana (VDVY) in Jammu and Kashmir, with focus on formation and functioning of Self Help Groups (SHGs) under the scheme.
The meeting was attended by the Mission Director, NRLM), Director Finance, Tribal Affairs Department and Joint Director Planning, Tribal Affairs Department.
During the meeting, the Minister held detailed discussions on the financial and physical progress achieved under the scheme besides assessing the initiatives undertaken for formation and strengthening of SHGs. He also reviewed the progress of activities aimed at providing livelihood opportunities to tribal communities through collective enterprise, value addition and better utilisation of locally available forest and other resources.
Javed Rana emphasised that implementation of the PM Van Dhan Vikas Yojana should translate into tangible livelihood and income-generation opportunities for tribal communities, particularly for women and other members associated with SHGs. He directed the concerned officers to accelerate the formation of more SHGs and ensure wider coverage of eligible beneficiaries across tribal areas. He stressed the need for identifying potential beneficiaries, facilitating their mobilisation and providing the necessary institutional and technical support to enable SHGs to function as sustainable livelihood groups.
The Minister called for close coordination between the Tribal Affairs Department and JKRLM to ensure effective implementation of the scheme. He directed the officers to maintain regular monitoring of both physical achievements and financial utilisation. He stressed that the benefits of the scheme should reach the grassroots level and that all interventions must be aligned with the objective of empowering tribal communities, strengthening livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic opportunities.
Javed Rana directed the officers to undertake a focused review of progress at regular intervals and address any bottlenecks hampering the implementation of the scheme.
The Minister sought detailed information regarding the training and capacity-building efforts undertaken under the scheme, particularly those targeting tribal artisans and small-scale entrepreneurs in far-flung areas.
Rana asked the officials to intensify the efforts to expand market linkages for tribal products at regional and national level, asking the departments to identify the existing implementation gaps, strengthen inter-agency collaboration and submit fresh proposals in areas where interventions are most urgently needed.
The Minister highlighted the need for timely and well-planned initiatives to bridge the developmental disparities and enhance the reach and relevance of the Van Dhan Vika Yojana.