KULGAM: As part of the ongoing efforts to create deep awareness and ensure effective last-mile delivery of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme in Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), the nodal agency for RAMP in the UT, organized a district-level RAMP awareness workshop in Kulgam today.

The program was conducted in collaboration with the State Project Implementation Unit (SPIU) - Grant Thornton Bharat  and the District Industries Centre (DIC) Kulgam at the premises of the District Industries Centre. The workshop was presided over by General Manager, DIC Kulgam, Bashir Ahmad Lone. In his address, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of the RAMP scheme percolate down to the grassroots level, especially among the micro and rural enterprises in the district.

He urged all implementing agencies to actively leverage the provisions of the RAMP scheme to support, guide, and handhold MSMEs in their respective domains. “The success of RAMP lies in how effectively we can translate these reforms and initiatives into tangible support for our entrepreneurs on the ground,” he said. The workshop witnessed participation from over 50 stakeholders, including representatives from the Lead Bank, officials from DIC, JKEDI, Handicrafts & Handloom Department, SICOP, SIDCO, Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, local industrial associations, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs from across the district.

A detailed presentation on the RAMP scheme was delivered by the SPIU team from Grant Thornton, covering key components, benefits, eligibility criteria, and the strategic interventions being rolled out in J&K. The session also included an interactive Q&A segment, where participant queries were addressed comprehensively, ensuring greater clarity on access and implementation mechanisms.

This initiative is part of a broader series of district-level outreach programs being conducted across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir by JKTPO and SPIU to enhance awareness, promote inter-departmental convergence, and accelerate MSME-centric interventions under the RAMP program.

These workshops aim to create a robust ecosystem for MSMEs, ensuring increased access to credit, technology, skilling, market linkages, and improved ease of doing business. The RAMP scheme, supported by the Ministry of MSME and the World Bank, represents a major step in the Government of Jammu and Kashmir’s commitment to empower and scale up the MSME sector, which forms the backbone of the regional economy.

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  Read the message here