Over 16,000 SHGs formed in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, April 11: As part of the district administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote self-reliance among women, a comprehensive review meeting of the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) schemes was held at the Collectorate Auditorium, Jamshedpur, under the chairmanship of Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC)  Aniket Sachan, following instructions from District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner  Ananya Mittal.

The meeting saw active participation from officials of JSLPS, block program managers, and other stakeholders.

In his presentation, District Project Manager (DPM)  Sujit Bari shared that a total of 16,612 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) have been formed in the district so far, with 300 new groups added in the current financial year (2024-25).

A major concern highlighted was that 1,097 SHGs are yet to be linked with promotion and financial services. The DDC directed the preparation of a comprehensive list of these groups and submission of a detailed report to ensure targeted follow-up and support.

Under the Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI), it was reported that 1,040 youth have already received training in various trades, against a block-wise target of 1,150 for 2024-25. The DDC emphasized aligning training with local demand and livelihood opportunities, and also instructed that trained individuals must be linked with loan support to ensure sustainability.

In addition, under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Vikas Yojana (DDU-GKY), block officials were asked to complete the training and employment readiness survey of youth aged 18 to 35 years by April 19, 2025.

Significant attention was given to adding value to rural products to make them market-ready. Key action points included: Egg Production (Dhalbhumgarh Block): Support to producers for organic certification to ensure higher quality and market value. Rice and Chuda Processing: Emphasis on using high-quality rice varieties for chuda production, with direction to collaborate with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Coarse Grains & Mushroom Products: Plans to introduce innovative products like nutrition-rich cookies from millet and mushroom-based items were discussed to diversify income and attract new markets. Honey Processing: Although current progress was termed satisfactory, DDC urged for improvements in FSSAI, ISO certification, trademarking and barcoding, essential for branding and price realization.

Tomato By-Products: Strategies to reduce wastage by using storage infrastructure in Patamda were outlined. Emphasis was laid on proper selection of tomato varieties and storage techniques.

Candle Units (Rurban Yojana): Recommended to introduce new molds and colors to improve product appeal and market reach.

Sal Leaf Plates: With the collection season in progress, officials were asked to coordinate with buyers and train SHGs for manufacturing plates and allied products to tap into corporate markets.

Regular surveys were mandated for women beneficiaries of the Phulo Jhano Ashirwad Yojana, especially those who earlier sold hadiya (traditional liquor). They are to be counseled and supported in taking up alternate livelihoods.