From Chamba to National Recognition: Mandi Commissioner Earns SKOCH Award Nod
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MANDI: H.S. Rana, Municipal Commissioner of Mandi, has been shortlisted for the prestigious SKOCH Award 2024, recognizing his exceptional contributions to “Sustainable Livelihood Micro-Entrepreneurship Development” under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM). Hailing from Chamba, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most underserved districts, Rana is an exemplary Himachal Administrative Officer who has made significant strides in enhancing sustainable livelihoods.
About the National Urban Livelihoods Mission
The National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM) is a Government of India initiative aimed at reducing poverty and vulnerability among urban poor households. NULM provides access to self-employment and skilled wage employment opportunities, improving livelihoods sustainably. The mission also focuses on providing shelters equipped with essential services to the urban homeless.
Award Ceremony Details
To honor this remarkable achievement, a special award ceremony will be held in the coming days as part of the 99th SKOCH Summit at the Silver Oak Hall, India Habitat Center, Delhi. Rana has been invited to attend this ceremony to celebrate his accomplishment.
Rana’s Dedication to Livelihood Generation
H.S. Rana, in an exclusive interview with TNR, emphasized that his foremost goal as Municipal Commissioner was to enhance livelihood opportunities for poor and marginalized communities. “From the outset, my priority was to uplift these communities through focused interventions,” he stated. “I conducted weekly meetings with Self-Help Groups (SHGs), guiding them to self-reliance by leveraging various central government schemes.”
Empowering Through Education and Market Access
Rana’s strategy included educating SHGs about modern livelihood activities and equipping them with communication and overall development skills. “Our approach resulted in sustainable income streams for these groups by connecting them with various income-generating activities and enhancing their market presence,” he added. The Commissioner further highlighted efforts to improve product quality, packaging, and marketing strategies, thereby expanding market access for SHG members.
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Selection Process for the SKOCH Award
Elaborating on the selection process, Rana mentioned that a committee, led by the Additional Commissioner, compiled success stories from sustainable livelihood initiatives over the past two years. “We presented these to the SKOCH award committee, which includes experienced retired bureaucrats,” he explained. “After three rigorous stages, our dedication was rewarded, and we were shortlisted for this prestigious award,” he said, expressing gratitude to his team members, including Vikas Sharma, Additional Commissioner, Vishal Chandel, and Vishal Sharma, who were instrumental in the presentation process.
About the SKOCH Awards
Founded in 2003, the SKOCH Awards recognize individuals, projects, and institutions that have made extraordinary contributions to India’s socio-economic development. The awards honor those who have positively impacted society through exemplary leadership and governance.
The 99th SKOCH Awards
The 99th SKOCH Awards for 2024, covering multiple categories including “Sustainable Livelihood Micro-Entrepreneurship Development,” were announced earlier this year. The Municipal Corporation of Mandi actively participated, undertaking extensive preparation and strategic planning to compete for this distinguished recognition. The awards will be distributed in the coming days.
