Patna: Rural development minister Shravan Kumar on Monday directed officials to expedite the construction of an emporium at Bodh Gaya and prepare plans for similar facilities at other major tourist destinations to promote products made by women associated with Jeevika self-help groups.Chairing a review meeting of departmental schemes at the Old Secretariat, Kumar said the emporiums would showcase local handicrafts, traditional artworks and rural products to domestic and foreign tourists, giving women entrepreneurs access to wider markets.Kumar directed officials to verify the survey list under the Awaas Plus 2.0 initiative of the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin and include eligible families left out of it. He also called for expanding goat-rearing activities and setting up Sudha milk outlets at the block level to be operated by Jeevika women.The department was asked to coordinate with Nabard to develop rural haats and strengthen marketing linkages for rural products. Kumar also directed officials to expedite site selection for Didi Kitchens, accelerate the construction of anganwadi centres and ensure timely payment of wages to workers engaged under various schemes.The meeting reviewed the progress of key initiatives, including the VB-G RAM G scheme, Lohiya Swachh Bihar Abhiyan, Jal-Jeevan-Hariyali campaign and rural housing schemes. Officials said a standard operating procedure was being prepared to clear pending works under MGNREGA.Kumar also announced that the Saras fair would be held at Gandhi Maidan from Dec 12 to 28, with more than 800 stalls. Efforts are also underway to promote the sale of Jeevika products in urban areas.Rural development department additional chief secretary H R Srinivas, Nabard chief general manager Gautam Kumar Singh and other senior officials attended the meeting.
