·         In Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has launched a Rural Enterprises Acceleration Programme titled ‘Saath’ for Self Help Group (SHG) women.

·         The programme aims to transform the lives of women and make them independent and strong in social and financial aspects, by mentoring the women associated with SHGs and create market linkages of products created by these women.

·         Saath is aimed at accelerating the livelihoods of rural women, associated with SHGs and which are doing small works.

·         There is not much profit in their work and there is a lack of knowledge about marketing, packaging and branding.

·         This initiative aims to teach women such skills and convert their businesses into Higher Order Enterprises.

Important facts:

About J&K

v  Founded: 14 May 1954

v  Population: 1.25 crores (2011)

v  Official bird: Black-necked crane

v  Official animal: Kashmir stag

v  Official tree: Platanus orientalis