Jamshedpur DC emphasises on rural women’s income and self-reliance

Jamshedpur: A review meeting of livelihood promotion projects was held in the Collectorate auditorium under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Karn Satyarthi. The meeting assessed the progress of projects being run through women self-help groups and farmers in different blocks of the district and laid down clear guidelines for further action.

The Deputy Commissioner said that projects involving self-help groups are playing an important role in strengthening the rural economy. The administration is committed to enhancing family income and ensuring the economic self-reliance of rural women.

During the review, it was reported that 27 women have already been trained in beekeeping and the Horticulture Department will provide bee boxes to them. At present, around 20–25 liters of honey is being processed daily. The DC directed officials to prepare a concrete plan to increase honey production and strengthen marketing arrangements.

Taking note of delays in the Micro Economic Zone under the CM Smart Scheme in Dumaria, the DC expressed dissatisfaction over the negligence of contractors. He instructed that contractors who are not interested in completing the work be removed immediately so that projects are not delayed at the cost of local beneficiaries.

The Gudabanda goat-rearing project was also reviewed, where shed construction is in progress. The DC assured the women beneficiaries of additional support to strengthen the project. Similarly, a proposal was drawn up for the establishment of a mustard oil processing unit at Lakhaidih in Dumaria. The DC directed that the machinery be powered by both electricity and solar energy to ensure sustainable, year-round income for farmers.

In Manushmudia, a bamboo-based livelihood project was discussed. It was decided that the initial focus would be on low-cost, daily-use items, with gradual expansion in the future. For mushroom cultivation projects being run by women in Golmuri and Jugsalai, the DC directed that suitable space be provided. To strengthen the cashew processing unit in Baharagora, it was decided to send FPO members on an exposure visit to the cashew processing plant in Keonjhar.

Other livelihood activities were also reviewed, including the silk and Dokra art projects in Musabani, Paitkar painting in Dhalbhumgarh, pottery in Potka, and wood carving in Ghatshila. The DC instructed officials to speed up the implementation of each project so that rural families, especially women, can start reaping the benefits without delay.