Swachh Bharat Mission: Workshop imparts skills to SHGs

Jammu, Aug 28: Directorate of Rural Sanitation, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj on Monday organised a one-day workshop for Self Help Groups (SHGs) here in Panchayat Bhavan Jammu. The event formed part of the ongoing sustainable Swachh Bharat Mission Grameen (SBM-G) campaign to acquaint the SHGs with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to spreading awareness on cleanliness and sanitation in their areas.
The workshop aimed to train SHGs of JKSRLM as Master Trainers in different components of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) to sustain the status of the ODF Plus Model already achieved by the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from numerous SHGs from across the UT of J&K. The SHGs in the Jammu division attended the workshop in person, while SHGs from the Kashmir division attended the workshop through Video Conference (VC).
The participants were treated to a comprehensive agenda that covered topics ranging from Solid Waste Management (SWM), Grey Water Management (GWM), Home Composting Methods (HH), Community Level Composting Methods (CLC), Plastic Waste Management (PWM), Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and Zero Waste to behaviour change communication strategies. The workshop aimed not only to educate the attendees about the importance of maintaining cleanliness but also to provide them with practical tools to spread awareness in their respective areas.
The workshop commenced with an opening address by Director Rural Sanitation, J&K Mr Charandeep Singh, highlighting the importance of community-driven initiatives and collective efforts in realizing the objectives of the post-ODF plus model status under Swachh Bharat Mission Phase-II in the UT. He highlighted the role of SHGs in creating an impact on the Swachh Bharat Mission in the UT.
The Director emphasized the need for sustained efforts and community engagement in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of the surroundings. He also stressed that after the completion of the workshop, the participants must demonstrate waste segregation techniques, composting methods, and innovative ways to reduce single-use plastic in their respective areas.
A short film on the Swachh Bharat Mission- Grameen’s journey in J&K was also screened in the workshop to highlight the achievements of SBM-G in the UT.
Experts from the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRD&PR), Hyderabad imparted the training of Master Trainers of different SHGs.