Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 23: Mehbooba Mufti, former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir & President Peoples Democratic Party today expressed grave concern over the issues faced by the members of the Self Help Group (SHG). Started in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed , the SHG aimed to empower skilled individuals by providing them with job opportunities through a 30% quota in Government tenders. This initiative played a significant role in creating over 15,000 direct jobs and more than 25,000 indirect jobs, contributing to the economic well-being of many individuals and families in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, Mufti said, “The Self Help Group, initiated by my late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was a visionary step to uplift the skilled individuals of Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring employment opportunities and financial stability. It is disheartening to witness the abrupt abolition of the SHG on August 10, 2020, which has left thousands of individuals jobless and struggling to make ends meet.”
She raised concerns about the fact-finding committee formed on September 22, 2020, to investigate the sudden abolishment of the SHG. She remarked, “It is distressing that despite the formation of a fact-finding committee, its report remains missing even today. The lack of transparency in this matter is deeply troubling, and it raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of those affected by the decision.”
She strongly urged the LG administration to listen to and address the demands of the Self Help Group’s members and take immediate steps to bring relief to the thousands of individuals who have been adversely affected by the abolition of the scheme.
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