Srinagar, Aug 24: Branch MMSE DFO Srinagar under Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) conducted an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme (EAP) in the remote area of Khumriyal, Kupwara, with a special focus on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and PM Vishwakarma Scheme.
The programme was organised in collaboration with the District Administration, Kupwara, with the objective of taking awareness about government schemes and entrepreneurship opportunities to people in remote and underserved areas.
The programme was attended by senior officials from the District Administration, including the Chief Agriculture Officer, Kupwara; Lead District Manager (LDM), Kupwara; BDO concerned; Industrial Promotional officer (IPO) DIC Kupwara.
A.K. Tamaria, Head of Office, MSME-DFO Jammu, attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
In his inaugural address, A.K. Tamaria emphasised the importance of taking the schemes and programmes of the Ministry of MSME to remote areas so that people at the grassroots level are aware of the opportunities available to them and are able to avail the benefits.
He stated that MSMEs are the backbone of the Indian economy and that greater awareness and participation are essential for strengthening entrepreneurship and employment generation at the local level.
In his keynote address, Saheel Alaqband, Assistant Director, Branch MSME-DFO Srinagar, highlighted the need to promote entrepreneurship activities in the region and encouraged local youth and aspiring entrepreneurs to come forward and explore the opportunities available under various government schemes.
Highlighting the achievements of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme in Jammu & Kashmir, he stated that the scheme has made significant progress in the Union Territory, facilitating the reach of toolkits and other benefits to traditional artisans and craftspeople. He also highlighted the initiative of onboarding Vishwakarma products on Meesho free of cost, providing artisans with an opportunity to access wider markets and strengthen their livelihoods.
Alaqband further emphasised that several schemes and programmes are being implemented by different government departments, but their success depends significantly on people coming forward, acquiring information and availing the benefits available to them. He urged the participants to actively explore these opportunities and consider entrepreneurship as a viable avenue for sustainable livelihood and employment generation.
The Chief Agriculture Officer, Munab, delivered a detailed presentation on various schemes and opportunities available through the Agriculture Department and related sectors, encouraging participants to explore entrepreneurship opportunities linked with agriculture and allied activities.
The Lead District Manager, Kupwara, explained the role of banks in supporting MSMEs through credit and financial assistance. He highlighted the importance of proper financial planning and encouraged prospective entrepreneurs to approach banks for availing credit facilities under relevant government schemes.
Ishfaq Ahmad, Industrial Promotional officer (IPO), DIC Kupwara, elaborated on the PMEGP and PM Vishwakarma schemes, along with other schemes being implemented by the department. He explained the eligibility criteria, benefits and application processes, enabling participants to better understand how they could avail themselves of the available assistance.
The session was fruitfully moderated by Sajid, Young Professional, who facilitated interaction between the participants and the officials.
More than 50 participants from the remote area attended the programme. The session concluded with an interactive discussion during which participants raised queries and sought clarification from the officers regarding various schemes, eligibility requirements, financing and implementation procedures.
The programme reaffirmed the Ministry of MSME’s commitment to taking entrepreneurship awareness and government schemes to the grassroots, particularly in remote areas, and empowering local youth, artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs to become self-reliant and contribute to local economic development.
