POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inaugurated the Akaanksha Haat, a landmark initiative aimed at fostering rural enterprises and empowering grassroots communities across the region.

The launching event saw enthusiastic participation from Self-Help Groups (SHGs), local artisans, government officials and members of the public, marking a significant stride towards inclusive and sustainable rural development.

Established under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana- National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Akaanksha Haat has been conceptualised as a dedicated platform for SHGs and rural artisans to display, promote and sell their products.

The initiative is rooted in the core objectives of promoting rural entrepreneurship, advancing women's empowerment and enhancing livelihood opportunities in border and tribal areas.

During the inaugural ceremony, the Minister visited a diverse range of stalls showcasing handmade textiles, eco-friendly crafts, organic produce and processed local foods.

Rana appreciated the creativity, craftsmanship and cultural richness reflected in the exhibits and commended the artisans for their dedication towards preserving regional traditions.

Reaffirming the Omar led government's commitment to grassroots economic development, the Minister emphasized the importance of creating sustainable market linkages for rural producers, particularly women-led SHGs. He observed that such efforts are vital for achieving long-term economic self-reliance among rural households.

He said Akaanksha Haat is envisioned not merely as a physical marketplace but as a dynamic and sustainable ecosystem that directly connects the rural producers with consumers and institutional buyers.

By offering a permanent marketing platform, the government aims to reduce dependency on intermediaries, broaden income streams and foster financial inclusion at the grassroots level.