Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Oct 16: In the country, we still have 35 to 40 pc of our population living below poverty line and until we build their capacities and increase their purchasing power we cannot realise the goals of our economic development. And the purpose of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) is only to make these huge chunks of population financially aware, equip them with conceptual clarity and hand-hold them till they earn a dignified living in their respective societies.”
This was stated by Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman and CEO, J&K Bank today while chairing the inaugural function of “Two-day Conclave of RSETI Directors” held here at the Bank’s Corporate Headquarters. An in-house corporate film on the functioning and the impact of JKB RSETIs was screened on the occasion.
Secretary, Rural Develo-pment Department Khursheed Ahmad, Deputy Secretary MoRD (GoI) Tapish Chandra Nautiyal, National Director RSETI’s (Monitoring Cell) K N Janardhana, Project Director NIRD O N Bansal, Bank’s Senior President S K Bhat, Vice Presidents, State Director RSETI’s J&K, Directors RSETIs, Faculty RSETIs, LDMs and few successful entrepreneurs attended the conclave.
While lauding the performance of JKB RSETIs which have figured in the ‘Excellent’ list at national level, Mushtaq Ahmad said, “It is commendable on part of these institutes to get ‘A’ Grade, but it is the beneficiary only who can certify the performance and the rating of institutes.”
Going beyond the fact and figures list, Chairman proposed to sponsor the survey by a competent agency to ascertain the actual transformation in the lives of beneficiaries on ground.
“We need to have a comprehensive follow up of this whole RSETI programme through a survey so as to know what qualitative changes these institutes have been able to make in the lives of beneficiaries”, he said.
Meanwhile, 8 out of the bank’s 12 RSETI’s have figured in ‘Excellent’ list, 3 in ‘Very Good’ and 1 in ‘Good’ list.
Taking strong note of poor performance of few institutes, Chairman said, “Those who perform well be rewarded adequately in their career progression also while as the non-performers will also have to pay. There has to be accountability at all the levels.”
He announced Rs 50000 cash award for the RSETIs with more than 95 pc achievement while as Rs 25000 for other good performers.
Speaking on the occasion, Dy. Secy. MoRD (GoI) Tapish Chandra seconded the views of Chairman J&K Bank.
Khursheed Ahmad informed the conclave about the land issue saying, State Government has already completed the identification process of land for RSETIs in 13 districts of the State, which will be allotted in a couple of months from now after following the due procedure.”
Later, K Janardhana gave a brief overview of the RSETI movement and identified certain gaps in functioning of RSETIs and discussed various important issues on the occasion.
Senior President SK Bhat moderated the event besides making valuable interventions.