Reasi : Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Jugal Kishore Sharma Saturday inaugurated the week-long ‘Aakanksha Haat ’at the Spiritual Growth Centre- Katra.
The event, organized by the District Administration Reasi under the aegis of NITI Aayog’s national ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, aims to promote indigenous products and uplift local artisans and producers.
The inauguration ceremony was also graced by Member Legislative Assembly Mata Vaishno Devi Baldev Raj Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik, ADDC Sukhdev Singh, senior officials and stakeholders.
‘Aakanksha Haat’ is part of a nationwide initiative launched under the ‘Aakanksha’ brand by NITI Aayog, focused on empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and local artisans from Aspirational Blocks across India. The Katra edition features a vibrant showcase of traditional handicrafts, handloom items, organic produce, herbal products, and regional delicacies.
The MP accompanied by MLA and DC inspected the stalls showcasing the rich array of products from SHGs, FPOs and local producers. He lauded the creativity and craftsmanship on display, noting that the event not only celebrates India’s cultural heritage but also acts as a catalyst for economic empowerment—especially for women and rural communities. He emphasized that ‘Aakanksha Haat’ envisions a sustainable ecosystem connecting grassroots producers directly with consumers and institutional buyers.
The MP congratulated Deputy Commissioner and commended the efforts of the entire district administration for the remarkable performance of Thakrakote Block, which climbed an impressive 407 positions in NITI Aayog’s Aspirational Blocks Ranking—from Rank 420 in December 2024 to Rank 13 by March 2025. This surge reflects focused progress in key sectors such as Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Allied Activities, Basic Infrastructure and Social Development.
MP Jugal Kishore also felicitated officers and frontline workers for their proactive roles in implementing transformational development initiatives under the Sampoornata Abhiyan in Aspirational Block Thakrakote. Their efforts led to the 100% saturation of six key development indicators during the Sampoornata Abhiyan (July–September 2024), a significant milestone highlighted during the ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan Samman Samaroh’ held alongside the main event.
In his address, Jugal Kishore stated that this dual celebration marks a significant stride towards inclusive development, grassroots empowerment, and the recognition of local talent. He also underlined the importance of providing a physical marketplace for local producers to showcase and sell their products, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of promoting Vocal for Local and women empowerment.
