Poonch, August 01 (KNS): Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment, and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, friday inaugurated the ‘Akaanksha Haat’ in Poonch—an initiative under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) aimed at promoting rural entrepreneurship and empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local artisans, particularly in border and tribal areas.
The event witnessed vibrant participation from SHGs, women entrepreneurs, local artisans, government officials, and members of the public, highlighting a collective stride towards inclusive rural development.
Akaanksha Haat has been envisioned as a permanent, dedicated marketing platform where rural artisans can showcase, promote, and sell their products—including handwoven textiles, eco-friendly crafts, organic produce, and processed local foods.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelCommending the efforts of the participating SHGs and artisans, Rana lauded their creativity and dedication to preserving regional art and craft. He emphasized the government's commitment to providing sustainable economic avenues for grassroots communities.
Speaking at the event, the Minister reiterated that the initiative is not just a marketplace but a dynamic ecosystem designed to foster financial inclusion, ensure direct-to-market access, and reduce dependency on intermediaries—thereby enabling rural producers to achieve greater economic self-reliance.
He added that such platforms are essential for promoting women’s empowerment, encouraging local innovation, and integrating rural talent with broader markets and institutional buyers.
The Minister also urged officials to facilitate stronger market linkages and capacity-building support to SHGs, ensuring long-term sustainability and scaling of rural businesses. (KNS)