Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has exuded hope that Jammu and Kashmir would set a national benchmark in entrepreneurship-led development and Mission YUVA’ would emerge as a model for self-employment schemes across the country.
While addressing a function, the Chief Minister reiterated that unemployment remains the biggest and most complex issue facing Jammu and Kashmir and one can see this issue everywhere in J&K —whether in the plains, hilly or remote areas.
The Mission YUVA has benefitted hundreds of youth across the Union Territory and many have become successful entrepreneurs.
Leaders and politicians have stated on many occasions that no country has solved the issue of unemployment through government employment as everyone cannot be absorbed.
Need of the hour is to create entrepreneurs, who becoming job providers and help others earn their livelihoods.
A key strength of Mission YUVA lies in its integrated approach. Financial assistance, often the biggest hurdle for aspiring entrepreneurs, is being addressed through institutional support, particularly by Jammu & Kashmir Bank. Access to credit, coupled with handholding and mentorship, can significantly enhance the survival and growth prospects of new enterprises. This partnership between the government and financial institutions is crucial in building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem.
However, for Mission YUVA to truly become a national model, certain challenges must be addressed. First, there is a need to ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the most marginalized and remote sections of society.
Awareness campaigns, simplified procedures, and robust monitoring mechanisms will be essential in this regard. Second, entrepreneurship must be supported not just at the entry stage but throughout the business lifecycle. Market linkages, skill development, digital literacy, and innovation support are critical components that must be strengthened.
Equally important is the creation of an enabling environment where businesses can thrive. This includes improving infrastructure, ensuring ease of doing business, and fostering a culture that celebrates risk-taking and innovation. Educational institutions, too, have a role to play in promoting entrepreneurial thinking from an early stage.
The broader vision articulated by CM Omar Abdullah underscores a fundamental truth: sustainable development cannot be achieved without empowering the youth. By transforming them into engines of growth, Jammu and Kashmir can not only tackle unemployment but also set an example for the rest of the country.
If implemented with commitment and adaptability, Mission YUVA has the potential to redefine the economic narrative of the Union Territory. It is not just a scheme—it is a pathway to dignity, self-reliance, and shared prosperity. |
