Sajad Lone
Kupwara, Jan 19 (KNS): The district administration Kupwara is promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship through various schemes, encouraging residents to start businesses and fostering employment opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
As part of the Livelihood Generation Initiative, the administration as per data available with the Kashmir News Service (KNS) targeted 1914 units to engage 15656 people, with an estimated expenditure of around 24509 lakhs. Impressively, they surpassed this goal, establishing 4432 units and engaging 34726 people, with an assistance of 22577 lakhs.
“District agencies, including DECC, Handicraft & Handloom, KVIB, Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and Tourism, played a crucial role in reaching out to the youth for self-employment opportunities. Special drives under B2V & MYMP Programs were conducted to motivate and guide the youth,” it said.
Under various centrally sponsored schemes, the administration disbursed Crores of amount to aspiring entrepreneurs this fiscal year. This financial support aims to empower the youth of Kupwara to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.
In the year 2023-24, the administration introduced multiple self-employment programs to facilitate young people in starting their businesses. Some notable initiatives include MUMKIN, Tejaswani, Spurring, PMEGP, PM Vishwakarma, NRLM (SHG), DUDA, and HADP.
For instance, under MUMKIN, DECC established 63 units, engaging 126 individuals with an assistance of 48.6 lakhs. Similarly, PMEGP by DIC saw the establishment of 2512 units, engaging 17916 persons with an assistance of 6270.7 lakhs.
Animal Husbandry introduced schemes like Dairy Development, Poultry Development, and Sheep Husbandry, aiming for 538 units. While they achieved 400 units, it still represented a significant contribution to employment opportunities.
The success of these flagship schemes demonstrates the positive impact on the local youth, providing them with job opportunities and support for a better livelihood.(KNS)