RAMBAN: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India, organised an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme under the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme at Government ITI, Gool, in District Ramban on February 13, 2026.

Conducted by MSME-Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Jammu, the programme aimed to empower traditional artisans by promoting self-employment, skill upgradation, and sustainable livelihoods. General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) Ramban, Ravinder Kumar Anand, attended as the Chief Guest and highlighted the growing market demand for locally crafted and culturally rooted products, encouraging artisans to move towards self-reliance.

Rajesh Kumar, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu, explained the scheme’s provisions, including financial assistance and institutional support to improve the socio-economic conditions of artisans. He also urged beneficiaries to maintain financial discipline and spread awareness about the initiative within their communities.

The programme delivered tangible outcomes, with 18 digital bank accounts and 22 QR codes generated on the spot to enable digital payment incentives. Additionally, 10 beneficiaries were onboarded onto the Meesho e-commerce platform, allowing them to market their products online and expand their customer reach.

Officials from DIC, JKEDI, banking institutions, India Post Payments Bank, and technical experts addressed participants. An interactive session allowed attendees to seek guidance on training, finance, and enterprise establishment. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 320 individuals and concluded with a vote of thanks from the Ministry of MSME representative. The initiative was widely appreciated for providing practical insights into entrepreneurship and strengthening grassroots economic empowerment in the region.

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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