KUMAR PRABHAT / DUMKA
In a significant stride toward empowering women from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), local MLA Basant Soren and Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha on Saturday jointly inaugurated the ‘Jharfal’ jackfruit processing unit at the Dumka Sadar block premises. Operated by the Santhal Pargana Mahila Producer Company Limited, the facility aims to provide sustainable livelihoods and economic independence to tribal women at the grassroots level.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Development Commissioner Aniket Sachan and District Programme Manager of the Jharkhand State Livelihood Promotion Society (JSLPS) Nishant A.P. Ekka.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Basant Soren emphasized that the collaborative initiative between the district administration and JSLPS serves as a vital milestone for local development. He noted that women from the PVTG community will receive specialized training in jackfruit processing, value addition, packaging, and marketing. By branding and marketing local produce under the ‘Jharfal’ banner, the initiative is expected to grant regional goods a distinct market identity while substantially strengthening the rural economy.
Adding momentum to the empowerment drive, five local self-help group members were handed the keys to e-rickshaws (Totos) under the JSLPS Community Investment Fund loan scheme, enabling them to venture into independent self-employment and enhance household incomes.
Following the launch, MLA Basant Soren presided over a public grievance redressal camp, listening attentively to citizens’ issues and complaints. Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha and concerned departmental heads were directed to ensure prompt and quality resolution of the grievances, with several matters settled on the spot.
Reiterating the administration’s core objectives, the MLA stated that the government remains resolute in delivering the benefits of welfare schemes to the remotest citizens. Concurring with these sentiments, Deputy Commissioner Sinha affirmed that the district administration is fully committed to livelihood promotion, women empowerment, and the swift mitigation of public concerns through effective execution of all ongoing developmental initiatives.
