The Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, presided over an extensive meeting aimed at discussing a vision document designed to promote entrepreneurship and create substantial job opportunities in the Union Territory. The plan was developed by the Department of Labour & Employment with the goal of establishing a favourable environment for the development of entrepreneurship.
The high-level meeting was graced by a panel of experts, including the Director of IIM Jammu, the Vice-Chancellor of IUST, ACS of Forests, Principal Secretary of Finance, Commissioner Secretary of Industries & Commerce, Secretary of Labour & Employment, Secretary of Planning, DG of Planning, and other key officials.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo emphasized the importance of creating a highly conducive environment to support entrepreneurship in J&K. He stressed the necessity of a well-crafted strategy that can facilitate the growth of an entrepreneurial ecosystem at all levels, from grassroots to the top tier.
Key points of discussion included identifying opportunities, raising awareness among potential beneficiaries, equipping them with the necessary skills, facilitating access to credit, operationalizing business units, and providing sustained support to ensure their long-term viability.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive mentoring and counselling mechanism for aspiring entrepreneurs, beginning from the block level and including leading institutions in the UT as innovation and incubation hubs to guide start-ups.
Moreover, the meeting participants proposed the formation of an Apex body at the highest level to monitor and coordinate various activities in line with the adopted plan.
The preliminary plan, titled Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan (YUVA), aims to explicitly support emerging nano, micro, and small enterprises by nurturing a conducive culture, infusing capital, building capacity, and establishing market linkages for these enterprises. The document envisions creating an ecosystem that can generate employment opportunities for nearly 5 lakh youth in J&K and develop mass awareness about entrepreneurship opportunities in collaboration with banks and other viable institutions.
Furthermore, the document seeks to transform the employment and entrepreneurship landscape of J&K by creating a business-friendly environment, equipping the workforce with 21st century skills, providing access to tailored financial products and markets, and building human capacity of new and existing businesses to achieve sustainable economic growth within the UT.
In a separate meeting, Chief Secretary Dulloo chaired a discussion on the promotion of handicrafts and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in J&K in collaboration with the World Bank. The proposed plans outlined by the concerned departments focused on introducing modern technology, skill upgradation, credit linkages, and marketing interventions to promote the growth of these sectors.
The interventions proposed for MSME promotion included formalization of the sector, interest subvention for stressed MSMEs, digital financing, branding and packaging of local products, arranging buyer-seller meets, entrepreneurship and skill development, and other beneficial measures for the sector.
During the presentation, the Director of Handicrafts, Kashmir, addressed the current challenges faced by artisans in J&K, the previous initiatives taken by the government, and the proposed interventions to be carried out in collaboration with the international body. These measures included testing & certification centres, on-boarding on e-commerce platforms, showcasing before a global audience, collaboration with international brands, skill development & upgradation, extending credit facilities, establishing trade centres, and participation in trade fairs/exhibitions while observing Environment Social Responsibility (ESR) standards throughout the process.
The efforts and discussions highlighted in the meetings led by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo demonstrate a proactive approach towards fostering an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir.