Srinagar, Mar 31: In a significant move towards rural development, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj of the Jammu and Kashmir Government has announced plans to establish 12,000 additional Self Help Groups (SHGs) during the fiscal year 2024-25. 

According to official communication, these SHGs will play a pivotal role in fostering self-reliance and entrepreneurship among rural individuals, thereby stimulating economic growth and social development at the grassroots level. 

The government's commitment to rural progress extends beyond SHGs, with various initiatives underway to bolster employment opportunities and enhance infrastructure in rural areas. 

Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the aim is to generate 400 lakh mandays of work, while the HIMAYAT scheme is set to complete training for approximately 7000 candidates.

Furthermore, in a bid to fortify local governance, the government plans to construct 600 new panchayatghars under the Rashtriya Gram SwarajAbhiyan (RGSA), all equipped with 100% internet connectivity. Additionally, 2.60 lakh mandays of training will be provided to Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) members under RGSA.

Housing infrastructure is also slated for improvement, with 80,000 houses earmarked for construction under the PradhanMantriAwasYojanaGramin (PMAY-G).

In alignment with environmental sustainability goals, the government aims to provide solid/liquid waste management facilities in villages to promote cleanliness and reduce plastic waste. The Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) will further contribute to environmental conservation by treating a 26,000-hectare area through the completion of 1800 works during the upcoming fiscal year.

These comprehensive initiatives underscore the government's commitment to holistic rural development and empowerment, aiming to uplift communities and foster sustainable progress across Jammu and Kashmir.