UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 21: The District Administration Udhampur has brought laurels to the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir by winning the prestigious SKOCH Award 2025 for its innovative Didi Ki Rasoi initiative under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM).
The award was conferred at the Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, recognizing Udhampur’s outstanding efforts in women empowerment and community service.
The initiative has been implemented by the District Urban Development Agency (DUDA) Udhampur, functioning under the overall control of the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD), J&K. This recognition stands as a testament to the administration’s commitment towards women’s empowerment, social welfare and inclusive development.
Conceptualized and steered under the guidance of District Development Commissioner Udhampur, Saloni Rai, Didi Ki Rasoi has created a sustainable model where Women Self Help Groups (SHGs) are empowered through livelihood opportunities while simultaneously serving the community with nutritious, hygienic, and affordable meals.
Project Officer DUDA Jaffar Abass Batt, who also accompanied the DDC to New Delhi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders for their contribution to the success of this initiative. He especially acknowledged the pivotal role of DDC Udhampur for sanctioning and supporting the establishment of Didi Ki Rasoi canteens in the district.
So far, canteens under Didi Ki Rasoi have been successfully established at the Government College for Women (GCW), DC Office Complex, Government Degree College (GDC) Boys and Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Ramnagar.
With its growing popularity, additional canteens are slated to be opened in the district in the near future.
Pertinently, the success of this model has led to its replication in many other districts of Jammu & Kashmir, amplifying its social and economic impact. These units have not only ensured food security at subsidized rates but also provided dignified income avenues for women-led SHGs.
Implemented under the Urban Development Agencies (UDAs) of H&UDD, J&K, the initiative has been widely appreciated for promoting women’s empowerment, skill development, and social inclusion.
The conferment of the SKOCH Award 2025 marks a moment of pride for District Udhampur and underscores the effectiveness of collaborative governance under NULM in bringing tangible change at the grassroots level.
