SRINAGAR:  Chairperson J&K KVIB, Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, today chaired 106th Board of Directors (BOD) meeting of J&K KVIB at Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was attended by Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce; Registrar Cooperatives J&K; Director General Codes; Director I&C Jammu; Mission Director National Livelihood Mission; Director I&C Kashmir and Secretary/CEO KVIB. Senior officers of the Board were also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the performance of J&K KVIB was reviewed and it was informed that the Board has consistently ranked amongst the top-performing agencies under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), earning accolades at the National level.

It was informed that during the financial year 2023-24, Margin Money of Rs. 166.62 crores has been released by KVIB for establishment of 8401 units thereby creating employment opportunities for 65376 persons under PMEGP and JKREGP. Notably, the Board has exceeded its physical and financial targets by 654% and 385%, which was noted with appreciation by the first Directors on Board.

The Board was informed that under the Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), 8 clusters with financial assistance of Rs. 19.66 crores have been approved by Ministry of MSME (GOI) out of which two clusters under handicrafts activity at Anantnag and Budgam were inaugurated by Lt. Governor UT of J&K. It was further informed that rest of the clusters under Beekeeping and Handicrafts activities are at various stages of implementation.

Applauding the efforts and role of J&K KVIB in the successful implementation of employment generation programs, Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat urged all concerned to intensify their efforts to ensure the benefits of the schemes reach aspiring entrepreneurs and the target groups. She emphasized the need for field-level officers to collaborate closely with district administration, financial institutions, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) to provide comprehensive support to beneficiaries.

Dr. Hina Shafi also underscored the importance of spreading awareness about the schemes and programs implemented by J&K KVIB. She advised the Secretary/CEO KVIB to develop a detailed calendar of events to be undertaken by the Board in the current financial year.

Commissioner Secretary I&C commended J&K KVIB for the exceptional performance in implementing employment generation schemes like PMEGP and PMEGP. However, he emphasized the need for concerned officers to minimize instances of bank rejection, ensuring that cases are only rejected for genuine reasons. He further urged the Board to make certain that the benefits of the scheme effectively reach the target group.

The Commissioner Secretary of Industries & Commerce emphasized the urgent need to develop an entrepreneurial ecosystem for educated unemployed youth and added that government has taken many steps in this direction.

Earlier, the BOD approved the restructured staff strength proposal of J&K KVIB for submission to the Administrative Department. It was informed that restructuring has been based on actual requirements and the nature and quantum of work.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇