Secretary J&K-KVIB presides over awareness camp in Gurez

BANDIPORA: Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (J&K KVIB) on Wednesday organized an awareness-cum-Interactive camp at Dawar, Gurez. The event was presided over by Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, J&K KVIB, Dr. Jagdish Chander. The camp was aimed at sensitizing the unemployed educated youth and aspiring entrepreneurs about the benefits and opportunities available under flagship employment generation schemes viz. Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and J&K Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP).

In his address, Dr. Chander emphasized the transformative impact of employment generation schemes in empowering the youth and fostering inclusive development in challenging terrains like Gurez. He underscored the importance of coordination among the government departments, KVIB and banks to ensure effective and time-bound implementation of these schemes.

On the occasion, Dr. Chander informed the gathering that over the past three years, Rs. 27.60 crore, as margin money, have been disbursed under PMEGP and JKREGP in district Bandipora, facilitating establishment of 1,360 units and creating employment for 10,780 individuals, underscoring the immense potential of these schemes even in remote areas.

He encouraged the youth to explore tourism-based ventures such as eco-villages, guest houses, adventure camping and homestays. During the programme, an interactive session was also held, during which the participants raised their queries and concerns, which were addressed by Dr. Jagdish Chander and other officials present. Among others, ADC Bandipora, Zafar Husson Shawal; Deputy Chief Executive Officer, KVIB Kashmir division; SDM Gurez and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.