Use, promote products made by SHGs: CS to state officials
Dehradun: Chief secretary Anand Bardhan has directed all principal secretaries, secretaries, heads of departments, and district magistrates to actively promote self-help groups (SHGs) by using their products and services.
In a letter issued on Thursday to officials, Bardhan noted that under the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission, SHGs are engaged in various entrepreneurial and livelihood activities in rural areas.
Women's groups are particularly involved in food processing and running canteens, providing quality services while maintaining food safety and hygiene standards. He instructed that govt, semi-govt meetings, and other events at the state, district, and development block levels should, as far as possible, engage women's self-help groups for catering services.
"For this, contact can be made with the project director or assistant project director of rural development," Bardhan said.
The chief secretary further emphasized using locally made SHG products or items from the House of Himalayas brand as mementos and gifts for distinguished guests during official programs.
Bardhan also directed that millet-based and other local nutritious products made by SHGs be prominently used during refreshments in official programs, workshops, training sessions, and meetings.
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He added that SHGs should be given priority in operating canteens and outlets on govt premises. All transactions with SHGs are to be carried out as per the procurement rules of the finance department.
Meanwhile, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a high-level meeting on Thursday at the CM residence to review preparations for the 25th Central Zonal Council meeting, chaired by Union home minister Amit Shah, scheduled for June 24 in Varanasi.
Dhami asked officials to develop innovative and concrete proposals that balance ecological and economic needs to ensure sustainable and inclusive development of the state. During the meeting, he emphasised the importance of focusing on children's nutrition, physical and mental development.
"The future of children is the future of the state and the country. An integrated and goal-oriented plan should be developed for their comprehensive development," Dhami said, asking the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS), food security, health, and sports departments to work in coordination to provide nutrition, sports, healthcare, and mental wellness support to children.
He also directed officials to ensure mandatory Ayushman scheme registration in all govt hospitals and asked the women and child development department to regularly review malnutrition and anemia cases and launch corrective campaigns.
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