KT News Desk
SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 11: Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), District Office Srinagar, Saturday organized an Awareness Camp-cum-Interaction Programme at Waripora Balhama, Srinagar.
The event was attended by Deputy Chief Executive Officer KVIB Kashmir, Director JKRSETI, Development Officer Beekeeping KVIB, officers from Lead District Manager Srinagar, Cluster Head J&K Bank Srinagar, various rural Bank Branch Heads & officers from other line departments.
The programme was aimed at creating awareness among rural unemployed educated youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, artisans with a special focus on beekeepers from the rural areas of Balhama, Khonmoh, Lasjan and adjoining regions.
The event featured informative sessions and discussions on self-employment opportunities and various schemes viz. PMEGP & JKREGP implemented by the Board.
Speaking on the event, Deputy CEO KVIB highlighted the Self-employment opportunities in khadi and village industries sector, financial assistance schemes (PMEGP/JKREGP) and employment generation programs offered by J&K KVIB, Technical training and skill development initiatives particularly in Bee Keeping sector, marketing support and linkages for rural entrepreneurs and specific guidance on beekeeping as a sustainable livelihood option.
He further added that the J&K KVIB is committed to generating employment opportunities in rural and urban areas through promotion of Khadi and village industries especially the Beekeeping sector.
The interactive session enabled direct dialogue between KVIB officials and local participants, addressing queries related to loan applications, project formulation, and accessing government support schemes. Beekeepers received specialized information on modern apiculture techniques, equipment subsidies, and market opportunities.
On-spot applications from the participants under JKREGP scheme were received and it was assured to them that the same shall be processed as early as possible after prior approval from the DTFC.
It was informed that the during the year 2024-25 under PMEGP scheme 322 cases were disbursed involving Margin Money of Rs 507.90 lakh generating employment to 1932 persons and under JKREGP scheme rural cases stand disbursed involving Margin Money of Rs 28.00 lakh thereby creating employment to 96 rural persons.
The initiative received an enthusiastic response from participants, who actively engaged in discussions about entrepreneurship opportunities and government support mechanisms. Beekeepers from the region showed keen interest in exploring avenues for expanding their traditional vocations through modern techniques and institutional support.
This awareness camp represents J&K KVIB’s continued commitment to empowering rural entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable economic development in the region. By focusing on traditional industries such as beekeeping alongside other village industries, the Board aims to strengthen local economies while preserving indigenous skills and practices.
The programme marks another significant step in the Board’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between government schemes and grassroots beneficiaries, ensuring that rural communities have access to the resources and knowledge necessary for economic self-reliance.
