Chamba DC for special drives to empower self-help groups

Chamba Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Repaswal has directed all Block Development Officers in the district to launch a special campaign focused on empowering self-help groups (SHGs). This directive was issued during a review meeting to assess the implementation of various schemes by the Rural Development Department.

Repaswal reviewed activities under the National Livelihood Mission and instructed officials to enhance credit linkage facilities for SHGs, improve product packaging, and increase the number of sales centres for SHG products. He emphasised the need to launch the campaign within two months to achieve these goals.

He further suggested involving all SHGs, village organisations, cluster-level federations, Lakpati Didis, and beneficiaries of the public safety campaign, which is implemented through lead banks.

In another directive, the Deputy Commissioner asked officers from Bharmaur, Tissa, Chamba, Salooni, and Mehla to identify suitable locations for indoor badminton halls. He also instructed Bharmaur officials to prepare proposals for water conservation projects in the Bharmani Nala region.

Repaswal emphasised the timely submission of utilisation certificates for district planning and disaster management funds and the return of unutilised funds. He called for the launch of a new initiative, “Water Conservation — Community Participation,” focusing on constructing rainwater harvesting structures and rejuvenating at least three natural water sources per development block.

The Block Development Officers of Bharmaur and Mehla were tasked with compiling lists of families affected by hydroelectric projects. Topics like the MGNREGA, PM’s Housing Scheme, CM’s Housing Scheme, ODF Plus, and solid waste management were also discussed, with Repaswal providing guidance to the officials.