JAMMU/ SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) today commenced Management Development Programs (MDP) in 15 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, an initiative launched by the Union Ministry of MSME.
The Management Development Programmes (MDPs) were inaugurated in the districts including Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Udhampur, Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama and Shopian, wherein 310 candidates are undergoing 30 hour long training program for six days.
At District Kishtwar, Samba and Bandipora, the MDPs were inaugurated by Rajesh Kumar Shavan, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar and Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner, Samba, and Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, District Development Commissioner, Bandipora respectively.
The MDPs at Kulgam, Shopian and Udhampur were inaugurated by Altaf Ahmad Khan, ADDC Kulgam, Dr. Nasir Ahmad Lone, ADDC Shopian and Rajinder Singh, ADDC Udhampur respectively. At Pulwama, Noushad Ahmad Rather, Joint Director, Planning /CPO Pulwama inaugurated the programme. At Ganderbal, the MDP was inaugurated by Gulzar Ahmad Khan, ADC Ganderbal.
At Kupwara, the MDP was inaugurated by Mumtaz Ahmad, ACR Kupwara while Mohammad Naseeb, SDM, Banihal, inaugurated the MDP at Ramban. At Anantnag, Dilshada Akhtar, GM, DIC, Anantnag inaugurated the MDP while it was inaugurated by Dr. Ashwini, Assistant Director, MSME, Srinagar, at Budgam. The programme was inaugurated at Baramulla by Javaid Ahmad Ganaie, Principal, Government, ITI Baramulla.
These MDPs coordinated by JKEDI District Centres has participation from local MSMEs who will be provided with the real time know-how of running and managing the businesses. The programme will help the MSMEs of the area to enhance their skills and interact with the experts from different line departments.
The program aims to strengthen managerial, financial, and strategic skills of entrepreneurs and small business owners, empowering them to scale up operations, enhance competitiveness and create sustainable enterprises. This flagship initiative is being implemented in alignment with the broader objectives of the Government of India’s RAMP program to bolster the MSME ecosystem.
The MDP curriculum has been meticulously designed by subject matter experts and includes modules on business planning, marketing strategies, digital tools, financial literacy, compliance, innovation, and leadership. The program also includes mentorship sessions, case studies and hands-on workshops to provide real-world insights.
Over the next six days, local entrepreneurs, MSME operators and the aspiring business leaders will engage with industry professionals, JKEDI faculty and certified trainers in an interactive learning environment. The simultaneous launch in 15 districts ensures equitable access to resources and training opportunities, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas. The MDPs under RAMP in the remaining five districts shall also commence shortly.
Commenting on the simultaneous inauguration of 15 MDPs under the RAMP initiative, Director JKEDI, Khalid Jahangir, stated that the Ministry of MSME, GoI has approved eight interventions including MDPs under RAMP for J&K, for which the Industries and Commerce Department is the Nodal Agency.
In Jammu and Kashmir, Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance scheme is being implemented by the Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO). The JKEDI has been assigned the responsibility of necessary capacity building interventions in the form of Management Development Programs (MDPs) and Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programmes (ESDPs) for existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. A budgetary outlay of Rs. 4.17 crore has been approved for conduct of 334 MDPs across J&K in the year 2024-25, 2025-26 and 2026-27, targeting 6672 MSME beneficiaries including 33 percent participation of women/SC/ST categories across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
JAMMU: Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, today released the annual brochure of the Department of Lifelong Learning (DLL) for the academic year 2024–25.
The brochure showcases the Department’s wide-ranging achievements and initiatives undertaken during the year, including its ongoing efforts in lifelong learning, skill development, career counselling, and coaching. A major highlight is the Department’s unique, field-based postgraduate programme—Masters in Rural Studies (MRS)—revamped in 2025, which offers immense scope for research. Notably, seven students from the first batch of MRS have secured employment.
The Department has also launched its Ph.D. programme beginning the academic session 2025–26, further expanding its academic and research footprint. Through its various units, the DLL not only equips students with practical skills for the workforce but also addresses societal needs and contributes to human resource development.
Congratulating the Department on the occasion, the Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor lauded its commitment to delivering community-oriented, field-based educational and skill development programmes.
The brochure release function was attended by Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu, Dr. Priyanka Sharma, Director, DLL, Prof. Kavita Suri, Dr. Vivek Sharma, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva, Dr. Sandeep Singh (faculty, DLL) and Dr. Rewa Khajuria, Counsellor, EIAB.
SRINAGAR: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone, Shri V. K. Birdi, today chaired a high-level joint security review meeting at Police Control Room, Kashmir, to assess preparedness for upcoming events and to ensure seamless coordination among various security agencies.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from multiple forces, including IG BSF, IG KOS CRPF, IG CRPF Srinagar Sector, DIG CKR, DIG ITBP, DIG CRPF North, DIG SSB, DIG RPF, DIG BSF, DIG South CRPF, as well as SSPs from Srinagar, Railways, Budgam, APCR, Traffic City, CID CIK, Security, and SDRF Kashmir. Also present were Col GoS (IS 15 Corps), DC SB, SP Cargo, SP Telecommunication Kashmir, and AD IB Srinagar. DIGs of SKR and NKR, along with all District SSPs of the Kashmir Zone, participated virtually.
During the session, IGP Kashmir Shri V K Birdi underscored the need for heightened vigilance in view of potential threats and directed officers to strengthen intelligence networks, secure vulnerable points, and maintain effective area domination.
He further emphasized intensified patrolling, enhanced visibility at key locations, and strict adherence to established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Highlighting the importance of synergy among all security and intelligence wings, IGP Kashmir called for robust inter-agency coordination and comprehensive emergency preparedness. Concluding the meeting, he reiterated the need for unified and proactive efforts to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of high-profile events across UT.
POONCH: District Development Commissioner Vikas Kundal convened a meeting today to assess the progress of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain campaign and to discuss the Action Plan for the fiscal year 2025-26. The meeting, held at the DC complex, brought together officers from various line departments.
The District Development Commissioner reviewed the physical and financial progress achieved under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan in the year 2024-25. He underscored the critical need for water conservation in view of growing challenges related to water scarcity in the region. The functionaries of stakeholder departments provided updates on the initiative, detailing the advancements made under different schemes.
The DDC directed the planning department to constitute a water conservation committee, comprising PO ICDS, DFO, PO IWMP, Executive Engineer Jal Shakti and Irrigation and the Chief Agriculture Officer. He emphasized the need for a thorough study of the campaign to ensure effective implementation in the current financial year.
The DDC stressed the importance of proper documentation of all programs and activities conducted under the Abhiyan to ensure transparency and effectiveness. He urged all officials to complete targeted projects within prescribed timelines, advocating for dedication and efficiency in their work.
KATHUA: District Development Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas today released a dedicated booklet titled ‘Visual Highlights of Development under District Capex Budget 2024-25’. Compiled by the Chief Planning Office, the booklet captures the breadth and impact of developmental initiatives carried out across the district during the last financial year.
The publication reflects a focused and inclusive approach adopted under Dr. Minhas’s leadership, aiming to align government initiatives with grassroots-level needs and aspirations. By prioritizing genuine public demands during the preparation and execution of the Capex Budget, the district administration has succeeded in translating policy into meaningful on-ground transformation.
The documented highlights include progress made in education infrastructure, healthcare accessibility, water resource management and community development. Special attention has been given to rural areas, with initiatives that address long-standing challenges while promoting resilience, equity and opportunity. The administration also made key interventions to improve rural connectivity, safety, and environmental sustainability. New infrastructure supporting youth engagement, health awareness, and social upliftment forms a central part of the district’s developmental narrative over the past year.
Efforts to strengthen power infrastructure and address critical service gaps in remote areas have also been underscored in the booklet, showcasing a holistic approach to rural transformation. These steps have collectively enhanced the quality of life and boosted economic potential for residents across various regions of Kathua.
Dr. Minhas commended the efforts of all stakeholders, including the District Development Council, field departments and community members, whose collaboration made these achievements possible. He emphasized that the visual compilation not only serves as a record of accomplishments but also as a motivation for future goals.
The launch of this maiden visual booklet is a significant step by District Administration Kathua towards transparent governance. It offers citizens a clear glimpse into the district's development journey and is available on the official website: [www.kathua.nic.in](http://www.kathua.nic.in). ADDC, ADC, CPO and ACD were also present on the occasion.
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