Srinagar : People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed grave concern over the issues faced by the members of the Self Help Group (SHG), which was started in 2003 by the then Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, aiming to empower skilled individuals by providing them with job opportunities through a 30% quota in government tenders.

“The Self Help Group, initiated by my late father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, was a visionary step to uplift the skilled individuals of Jammu and Kashmir by ensuring employment opportunities and financial stability. It is disheartening to witness the abrupt abolition of the SHG on August 10, 2020, which has left thousands of individuals jobless and struggling to make ends meet,” said Mehbooba Mufti.

She raised concerns about the fact-finding committee formed on September 22, 2020, to investigate the sudden abolishment of the SHG. “It is distressing that despite the formation of a fact-finding committee, its report remains missing even today. The lack of transparency in this matter is deeply troubling, and it raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of those affected by the decision,” she said.

Mufti strongly urged the LG administration to listen to and address the demands of the Self Help Group’s members and take immediate steps to bring relief to the thousands of individuals who have been adversely affected by the abolition of the scheme.

“The government’s biased and vindictive move to abolish the Self Help Group has had a severe impact on the livelihoods of many in Jammu and Kashmir. It is imperative that the LG administration takes swift and concrete measures to rectify this situation and provide support to those in need,” she added.