KARGIL: Deputy Commissioner Kargil, Rakesh Kumar, on Monday directed officials to increase the number of Lakhpati Didis in the district from the current 298 to 1,000, while calling for stronger livelihood interventions, improved market access and value addition to Self Help Group (SHG) products under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
Chairing a review meeting of NRLM, the Deputy Commissioner assessed the performance of SHGs and reviewed progress in women empowerment, financial inclusion, livelihood generation and institutional strengthening. The meeting was attended by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Development, officials of the District Programme Management Unit and other concerned officers.
Officials informed the meeting that NRLM has achieved 100 per cent outreach in both Leh and Kargil districts, with 127 of Kargil’s 145 villages covered under various programme interventions. Directing officials to expedite outreach efforts, Kumar called for the inclusion of the remaining villages at the earliest.
The meeting was further informed that 1,185 SHGs have been formed across the district. Reviewing their performance, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to strengthen integrated farming, micro-enterprises and other income-generating activities. He also emphasised effective utilisation of seed capital and improved marketing strategies for locally produced goods, including bakery products and other SHG items.
Focusing on long-term sustainability, Kumar called for strengthening value chains under the Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP), from production and processing to marketing, while ensuring fair and stable returns for producers.
To improve product quality and market competitiveness, he proposed the establishment of Common Facility Centres with modern machinery, cluster-based production units, uniform packaging and branding standards, and a district-wide catalogue of SHG products. He also advocated promotion of products under a common “Ladakh Collective” brand, particularly in tourist destinations.
Reviewing the Annual Action Plan, the Deputy Commissioner stressed practical skill development, entrepreneurship training and coordinated awareness programmes to expand livelihood opportunities and strengthen rural women’s economic participation.
