LADAKH: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, in collaboration with the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce (DICCI), commenced the tenth batch of the Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) on 19th Aug 2024 at University of Ladakh Campus heralding a new chapter in entrepreneurial empowerment.
The event was graced by Ms. Padma Angmo, IIS, Commissioner/Secretary (Hr. Edu/Tech. Edu/SW), Technical Education and Skill Development, UT of Ladakh. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presided over the event on an online mode. The fourth batch comprised of62 participants from various parts of the UT of Ladakh.
Among the notable attendees were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu (Online Mode); Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu; Dr. Vijay Prabhagar, Program Director, Capacity Building Program, IIM Jammu. The ceremony commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the enlightenment and empowerment that the program seeks to instill.
Ms. Padma Angmo, IIS, Commissioner/Secretary (Hr. Edu/Tech. Edu/SW), Technical Education and Skill Development, UT of Ladakh, acknowledged IIM Jammu's efforts and commended the participants for their innovative ideas. She encouraged them to fully leverage the program by engaging actively and making the most of the opportunities provided.
She expressed her happiness with the active participation of women, highlighting this as a reflection of the collective commitment to gender equity and empowerment. She urged all participants to seize this moment to learn, connect, and grow, emphasizing that this initiative has the potential to transform lives and communities. She called for collective efforts to harness the full potential of the program, driving forward the vision of a prosperous and empowered Ladakh.
Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, marked the commencement of a significant program on Raksha Bandhan, emphasizing its collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and DICCI across 20 districts in Jammu and Kashmir and 2 districts in Ladakh. He emphasized the recent approval of Project YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan) by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at boosting employment through entrepreneurship. The program envisions transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of enterprises and employment, with a focus on empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
A four-pronged strategy has been developed to create 1.37 lakh enterprises and 4.25 lakh jobs over five years, supported by ₹1830 crores in budgetary allocations and ₹5000 crores from financial institutions. This initiative aligns with the Union Budget 2024-25 and the vision of Shri Narendra Modi, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, to generate 4 crore jobs nationwide. He also mentioned the establishment of SBDU Centers in Kargil and Leh, with more than 350 participants already trained in earlier programs, reaffirming IIM Jammu’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, highlighted the Capacity Building Program as an engaging and valuable initiative. He provided an overview of the MGNF Programme, discussing the development of the Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) and the evolution of the Capacity Building Program. He emphasized the importance of creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. He also encouraged collaboration and mutual learning among participants to maximize the program's impact.
Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Centre for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu, in his welcome address, provided an overview of the program, setting the stage for an enriching journey of learning and growth.The ceremony also included the Campus Audio Visual of IIM Jammu followed by brief introductions from the participants, offering insights into their backgrounds and aspirations, further enriching the diverse tapestry of the program.
Dr.Vijay Prabhagar, Program Director, Capacity Building Program, IIM Jammu, proposed the vote of thanks. The program aims to refine their abilities, enabling them to play a crucial role in realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, as envisioned by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. The event concluded with the rendition of the national anthem, symbolizing unity and collective aspirations. The event was coordinated by the Small Business Development Unit Team, IIM Jammu. The Capacity Building Program on Small Business Development Units by IIM Jammu sets the stage for transformative growth, empowering aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation.
