DODA: To promote entrepreneurship and skill-based employment among youth, the District Administration Doda, in collaboration with the Department of Employment, organized a Capacity Building cum Entrepreneurship Mela under the Mission YUVA initiative at Doda. The event was presided over by the District Development Commissioner (DDC), Doda, Sh. Harvinder Singh (IAS), and witnessed enthusiastic participation from entrepreneurs, female business aspirants, students from various colleges, district officers, and resource persons from JKEDI, Polytechnic College, and ITI Doda.

In his address to the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner reiterated the Government of Jammu & Kashmir's unwavering commitment to creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. He emphasized that Mission YUVA is not merely a loan scheme, but a comprehensive growth platform aimed at nurturing youth through entrepreneurship, skill development, mentoring, and financial support. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to leverage the digital platforms, institutional handholding, and incentive schemes available under the mission.

The Mela provided detailed insights into the three key verticals of Mission YUVA: Creation of Nano Enterprises (CNE): Offering collateral-free loans between ā‚¹1–10 lakh, with subsidies up to 30% for women and PwD candidates. Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME): Supporting new enterprises with project costs ranging from ā‚¹10 lakh to ā‚¹125 crore. Business Acceleration for Existing Enterprises (BAEE): Targeting businesses older than 5 years with loans up to ā‚¹25 crore and interest subvention up to ā‚¹10 lakh.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director Employment, Doda, Sh. Rafiq Ahmad Jaral informed that the application process is fully digital, accessible via the Mission YUVA App and missionyouth.jk.gov.in, requiring only basic documents such as Aadhaar, Domicile Certificate, PAN, Project Report, and proof of business activity.

He further highlighted that Mission YUVA is backed by a comprehensive administrative ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs from ideation to execution. Business Help Desks (BHDs) at the Sub-Division level and Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) at the District level serve as one-stop support platforms, offering services like business ideation, mentoring, loan facilitation, DPR preparation and market linkage support.

The Mela also featured departmental stalls where various government departments showcased their schemes and services. Departments including Employment, Industries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Polytechnic College, and ITI put up informative exhibits to create awareness and guide visitors about opportunities available under their respective domains. A dedicated stall on Mission YUVA, set up by the Employment Department Doda, served as a focal point for youth seeking guidance and real-time registration support under the mission.

The event was marked by the participation of over 800 young attendees, including a large number of female participants from across the district. The Mela was graced by a galaxy of officers, including Additional District Development Commissioner Doda, Roshan Lal; ACD Doda and ACP Doda, Din Mohammad Afaqi and Musharaf Ali Haf, respectively, along with several other senior district officers.

The event concluded with inspirational messages, encouraging the youth to step into entrepreneurship fearlessly and reminding them that true success lies in embracing challenges and believing in their dreams. The Mela was widely lauded as a dynamic and action-oriented initiative, reflecting the district administration's deep commitment to empowering youth and building a pathway towards self-reliance and economic prosperity in Doda.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here