Jammu, Aug 13 (PTI) The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) on Thursday signed an MoU to promote women-led rural enterprises and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for self help groups in the Jammu region, officials said.
The initiative will facilitate greater participation of eligible self help groups (SHGs) in supplying puja-related items to the shrine board, they said, adding that the product range can be expanded as per requirements.
JKRLM will identify and recommend eligible SHGs, provide capacity-building, skill development, financial literacy and digital payment support, besides exploring working-capital assistance.
“The shrine board will facilitate business opportunities for empanelled SHGs as per applicable procurement procedures,” officials said and added that around 13 SHGs comprising 450-500 women are currently associated with the SMVDSB.
Their annual procurement, valued at about Rs 3.50 crore last financial year, is projected to rise to around Rs 15 crore following the MoU, with further expansion envisaged, they said.
The partnership will also promote eco-friendly packaging, biodegradable materials and compliance with food safety norms. PTI AB AB AMJ AMJ
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