JKRLM inaugurates 3rd edition of SARAS Aajeevika 3.0

The Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) under the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj inaugurated the third edition of SARAS Aajeevika 3.0 at Zabarwan Park, Srinagar, on Saturday.
Anissa Nabi, the State Project Manager for Monitoring & Evaluation at JKRLM, told Rising Kashmir that the third edition of SARAS Aajeevika Kashmir has been successfully launched in Srinagar and will continue until August 2024.
“SARAS Aajeevika Kashmir serves as a platform for rural women Self-Help Group (SHG) members from Jammu and Kashmir and other Indian states to showcase their products at this fair. The items on display are handcrafted,” Anissa stated.
She said that a variety of handicrafts, handlooms, and natural and organic food products from various rural regions of India are being presented by the SHG members, all of whom have created these items by hand. This fair is managed by rural women, and all displayed products are exclusively made and sold by them.
“The people of Kashmir are encouraged to visit this event, as it will provide them with insights into the handicrafts and handloom products from other Indian states. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase a wide range of items, as there is a substantial variety available at this fair,” Anissa said.
She said that 60 stalls have been set up at this fair by rural women SHG members from Jammu and Kashmir and other Indian states, with over 200 women artisans showcasing various handmade products.
Rekha Kumari, an SHG member from Udhampur district said that SARAS Aajeevika is a significant platform provided by the Jammu and Kashmir government, enabling rural women SHG members to benefit directly from such initiatives.
“The SHG members from other Indian states have also set up their stalls, allowing these rural women to sell their products directly to customers and generate a source of income through these platforms,” she added.
Kumari said that the Self-Help Group members from Jammu and Kashmir are also traveling to other states, where we are participating in events organized in various Indian states.