Tehri: Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan conducted field inspections of various livelihood and self-employment initiatives operating in Chamba Block, evaluating models designed to strengthen the rural economy.
During the visit, he stressed the importance of:
- Women’s economic empowerment.
- Branding and marketing of local products.
- Expansion of livelihood opportunities.
- Strengthening self-help groups and entrepreneurship.
Inspecting the Himalayan Bhojanalaya Food Cart initiative in Dikholgaon, which is supported under the REAP project and IFAD assistance, he interacted with women members of self-help groups. The women shared details of income generated through the preparation and sale of traditional local foods.
The Chief Secretary described the initiative as an effective model of women-led economic empowerment and suggested expanding it across more regions.
At Nagni, he reviewed the progress of a mini fish-processing unit under construction. Officials reported that nearly 80 percent of the access road and safety infrastructure work has been completed and machinery has already been installed. He directed authorities to ensure timely completion while maintaining quality standards.
During his inspection of a poultry farm in Bhinnu Village, he observed that livestock and poultry-based enterprises are becoming strong sources of income for farmers and rural youth, contributing significantly to self-employment and rural prosperity.
At the 3K Organic Outlet in Duwadhar, he reviewed the marketing system for local organic products. The outlet sells products such as finger millet (mandua), amaranth (chaulai), pulses, and other locally produced items through self-help groups.
The Chief Secretary emphasized maintaining product quality and developing stronger market linkages to expand sales opportunities.
He concluded that effective coordination among government schemes, self-help groups, and local resources is creating new livelihood opportunities in rural areas. Such models, he said, will strengthen village economies and help curb migration from the hills.
The inspection was attended by district officials, including the District Magistrate, Senior Superintendent of Police, Chief Development Officer, and representatives of various departments.
