SRINAGAR: Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, through the Branch MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Srinagar in association with the District Administration, organised one-day Awareness Programmes under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme across the districts of Kulgam, Budgam, Srinagar, and Shopian for beneficiaries who had successfully completed third-stage verification.

Officials from the District Administration, including Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Shopian; Dr. Zahid Rashid Khan, Functional Manager, DIC Shopian;  General Manager, DIC Budgam; Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Budgam; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Budgam; Principal, ITI Kulgam; IPO Kulgam; and other officials from the district administrations, underscored the significance of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in empowering traditional artisans and crafts people by enhancing their skills, providing financial assistance, and facilitating market linkages.

Mohammed Tariq Ishtiaq, IEDS, Assistant Director, Br. MSME DFO Srinagar, provided insights into the objectives of the PM Vishwakarma Awareness Programme. He stated that the Ministry is committed to ensuring that the scheme’s benefits reach every corner of the region and emphasized the capacity building of artisans through enhanced skills, modern tools, and improved market access. He highlighted that the scheme enables traditional artisans to transform their inherited skills into sustainable enterprises and stressed the importance of digital empowerment and onboarding onto e-commerce platforms to enhance competitiveness.

 An E-Commerce and Digital Marketing session was delivered by faculty members from Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST). The session focused on online marketing strategies, effective use of social media for brand promotion, adoption of digital payment systems such as UPI, and onboarding onto various e-commerce platforms. The experts provided practical guidance to help participants expand their market reach, enhance customer outreach, and adopt technology-driven approaches for sustainable business growth.

Financial Literacy sessions were conducted by the respective Cluster Heads of the districts from Jammu & Kashmir Bank. They provided guidance on basic banking services, credit support available under the scheme, and responsible borrowing practices. They also emphasized the importance of secure digital transactions such as UPI and mobile banking, along with maintaining financial discipline and ensuring timely repayment for sustainable business growth.

All four events collectively witnessed the participation of more than 300 Vishwakarma artisans and concluded with interactive discussions and an assurance of continued handholding support to all registered beneficiaries under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme.

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

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