In the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, amidst its serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, lies a beacon of hope and progress for rural women. Indu Chib, an accomplished officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service and the Mission Director of the Rural Livelihood Mission in J&K, has been at the forefront of empowering and providing livelihood opportunities to women in rural areas. Her tireless efforts and innovative initiatives have not only transformed lives but have also become a symbol of resilience and determination in the region.
She spoke exclusively with Indian Masterminds and shared more about her work in the department.
BACKGROUND AND EARLY CAREER
Ms. Chib’s journey towards empowering rural women traces back to her early career as a civil servant. Armed with a strong academic background and a passion for social development, she embarked on a mission to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, especially women, in rural Jammu and Kashmir.
Her experiences in the field and deep-rooted empathy laid the foundation for her impactful work in the years to come. She oversees a range of programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the economic status and social empowerment of rural women. The mission focuses on skill development, entrepreneurship, access to financial resources, and creating a conducive environment for sustainable livelihoods.
PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP THROUGH ‘LAKHPATI DIDIS’
Under the ‘Ummeed’ scheme, the officer is currently working with over 7.45 lakh women in the state. She and her team have formed SHGs of 10 members each and provided them with community funds as investments for the first 7-8 months, then further credit linked them with the banks to boost their ventures.
“Under the ‘lakhpati didi’ project, we work on females and help them earn more than a lakh in a year. If we break it down, it doesn’t sound that impressive per month, but it is way better than the women not earning at all. Because of this, she now has an income to her name, and she can do whatever she wishes to do with it,” the officer shared.
The process of making a woman lakhpati starts at zero and has no limit to its end. The women can earn as much as they can, even if they achieve their targets for the year.
“Right now, we have 46,700 lakhpatis where the women are earning more than a lakh, and 7-8% of them are earning even 3 lakhs in a year. Such women are referred to as ‘Super Didis’ and become an inspiration for women of rural backgrounds. We will be utilizing them to inspire the potential lakhpatis, the ones who have entered the last stage of becoming lakhpatis and are almost touching a lakh in earnings,” she told Indian Masterminds.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The officer and her team not only establish enterprises for these women but also guide them in their business plans, credit link them, and build their capacity through training with the help of various collaborations.
“It is an ongoing process, and by next year, we aim to at least transform 80,000 people and bring them under the category of lakhpati. It is just our attempt to make women financially independent,” stated the officer.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT
One of the cornerstones of Ms. Chib’s approach is skill development. Recognizing the potential of women in traditional crafts and modern vocations, she has spearheaded various training programs. These programs not only impart technical skills but also instill confidence and financial independence among women.
Indu Chib’s journey as a JKAS officer and Mission Director of the Rural Livelihood Mission stands as a testament to the transformative power of dedicated leadership in grassroots development. Her holistic approach, combining skill development, entrepreneurship promotion, and advocacy, serves as a blueprint for empowering rural women not just in Jammu and Kashmir but across the country. As her initiatives continue to flourish, they pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.
