KATHUA: An Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) was organized at Government ITI Billawar by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, through MSME-Development and Facilitation Office (DFO) Jammu in collaboration with District Administration Kathua. The programme aimed at motivating unemployed educated youth and PM Vishwakarma artisans to establish enterprises in rural areas and promote self-employment.

Over 180 participants, including ITI students and PM Vishwakarma artisans, attended the programme and evinced keen interest in the entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives. Young Professional, MSME-DFO Jammu, Shahid Hussain Wani delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship in strengthening the local economy.

Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, Devender Kumar Tyagi (IEDS) apprised the participants about the flagship MSME schemes, detailing eligibility criteria, benefits and application procedures.

Superintendent ITI Billawar, Jitender Sharma spoke on the practical aspects of entrepreneurship, underscoring the significance of innovation, skill upgradation and proactive approach for successful enterprise development. Representative of District Industries Centre Kathua, Masqueen Babu elaborated on Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and other UT Government schemes, explaining financial assistance and incentives available to aspiring entrepreneurs.

A representative from Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Dheeraj Handu briefed the participants about the J&K Startup Policy and the support ecosystem including mentorship, funding and incubation facilities. Director, RSETI Kathua, Utpala Sekia along with Faculty Member Neha Salaria conducted sessions on financial literacy and credit linkages, emphasizing the role of financial inclusion in empowering first-generation entrepreneurs.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Senior Faculty Member, ITI Billawar, B.K. Dogoria, who reiterated the commitment of all stakeholders towards fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance among the youth of Kathua district.

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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