AUG 25: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has rolled out Mission Shakti, an integrated women empowerment programme aimed at ensuring the safety, security, and empowerment of women across the Union Territory.
Mission Shakti is a flagship initiative designed to provide women with not just protection but also opportunities for personal growth, self-reliance, and socio-economic advancement. It brings together multiple welfare and support mechanisms under a single umbrella, focusing on protection services, legal aid, skill development, and financial inclusion.
The programme is structured around two sub-schemes—Sambal and Samarthya. While Sambal focuses on women’s safety and security by strengthening helplines, one-stop centers, and institutional support systems, Samarthya emphasizes empowerment through training, self-employment opportunities, and entrepreneurship support.
In Jammu & Kashmir, Mission Shakti has a strong community-based approach. Women Help Desks, Mahila Shakti Kendras, and One-Stop Centres are being strengthened at the district level to ensure that women in distress can access immediate assistance. At the same time, awareness campaigns are being carried out to inform women about their rights, entitlements, and the support services available to them.
The initiative also prioritizes skill training and capacity building to encourage women to participate in the workforce and contribute to the economy. Financial literacy programmes, self-help groups, and entrepreneurship development schemes are being integrated under Mission Shakti to create sustainable livelihood options for women.
Officials highlighted that Mission Shakti is not just about extending protection to women but also about creating an enabling environment where women can thrive with dignity, confidence, and independence. With increased institutional coordination and grassroots outreach, the programme is expected to significantly enhance women’s participation in social, economic, and community development.
Mission Shakti, thus, embodies the vision of an inclusive Jammu & Kashmir where women are not only safe and secure but also empowered to play a transformative role in shaping the future of the Union Territory.
