JAMMU: In a significant initiative aimed at fostering entrepreneurial spirit among the youth of Jammu & Kashmir, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, successfully organised an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) at the Conference Hall of Government ITI Nowshera in District Rajouri. The programme was conducted through the MSME-Development & Facilitation Office Jammu as part of its continuous efforts to promote self-employment and enterprise development in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 90 aspiring entrepreneurs, students, and trainees eager to explore opportunities within the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The programme aimed to create awareness about the vast scope of entrepreneurship and the wide range of government support mechanisms available to help youth transform innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.
Addressing the gathering, Assistant Director of MSME-DFO Jammu, Rajesh Kumar, underscored the pivotal role of the MSME sector in driving Indiaâs economic growth and employment generation. He elaborated on the Ministryâs flagship schemes, highlighting key areas such as skill development, credit facilitation, cluster development, and technology upgradation. He urged participants to take advantage of institutional support and government-backed initiatives to establish successful enterprises, thereby contributing to local economic empowerment and the vision of self-reliance.
The programme featured insightful addresses from prominent stakeholders, including officials from the District Industries Centre (DIC) Rajouri, Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) Rajouri, Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), and Jammu & Kashmir Bank. The Principal of Government ITI Nowshera also addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of skill-based education and entrepreneurship in todayâs competitive environment.
Speakers provided comprehensive information on training programmes, financial assistance schemes, loan procedures, and institutional frameworks designed to support emerging entrepreneurs. The presence of banking and training institutions ensured that participants received practical guidance on converting business concepts into viable enterprises.
An engaging interactive session followed, where participants actively raised queries related to funding, skill enhancement, project formulation, and enterprise registration. The session proved highly beneficial, offering clarity and practical direction to aspiring business owners.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Aabid Hussain, Young Professional, Ministry of MSME, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, and participants for their active cooperation and commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
The successful conduct of this Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme reflects the Governmentâs unwavering commitment to empowering youth, promoting innovation, and accelerating economic development in Jammu & Kashmir through a vibrant and resilient MSME sector.
