Remarkable Achievement: J&K Empowers 94,680 Youth with Entrepreneurship Opportunities in a Single Day

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Leads the Charge

On January 24, 2024, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) etched its name in history by providing entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities to a staggering 94,680 youth in a single day, setting a new record for empowering the region’s young workforce. This remarkable feat was celebrated at the Convention Centre, presided over by Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, just two days ahead of the 75th Republic Day celebrations.

J&K Bank: A Catalyst for Economic Empowerment

Lieutenant Governor Sinha lauded the J&K Bank for its unwavering commitment to strengthening the spirit of Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan and Swarozgar Utsav, two ongoing initiatives aimed at unlocking the financial potential of farmers and the youth. He emphasized that this momentous occasion marked a significant stride in transforming J&K’s economic landscape.

Recognizing the J&K Bank as a champion of the common man, Sinha highlighted its pivotal role in improving the lives of ordinary citizens. He noted that the Swarozgar Utsav for entrepreneurship and self-employment had successfully reached every Panchayat in the UT, and the bank would disburse an impressive Rs. 1384 Crore to establish new units and startups. The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the bank’s ongoing efforts would create sustainable employment opportunities for more youth in these units.

Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan: Transforming Agriculture and Allied Sectors

Lieutenant Governor Sinha also shed light on the remarkable progress made in saturating Kisan Credit Card (KCC) across the Union Territory. Under the Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, approximately 2 Lakh farmers were provided with KCC, ensuring their access to reliable, adequate, and affordable credit. Sinha expressed optimism that this initiative would spark a revolution in the Agriculture and Allied Sectors, paving the way for J&K’s prosperity.

Lieutenant Governor’s Vision for Economic Transformation

While acknowledging the J&K Bank’s contributions to social development projects through its CSR initiatives, Sinha emphasized the immense potential for input credit in Agriculture and MSME sectors. He urged the bank to harness this opportunity to empower farmers and youth, helping them create employment opportunities and attain self-sufficiency.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the J&K Bank to achieve saturation in Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, Stand-Up India, and Startups, recognizing the transformative impact these programs could have on the region’s economy. He also called for extensive Financial Literacy programs, leveraging the Back to Village and My Town My Pride initiatives, to reach a wider segment of the population.

Sinha stressed the importance of catering to the economic needs of farmers, youth, and women through people-friendly schemes. He envisioned a future where these schemes would not only benefit the direct beneficiaries but also create employment and livelihood opportunities for those associated with them.

Celebrating Success Stories and Unveiling New Initiatives

The event witnessed the distribution of Insurance Claim Settlement cheques to the legal heirs of deceased Government Employees covered under the Bank’s Group Personal Accidental Insurance. Successful entrepreneurs and farmers financed by the bank were also felicitated, acknowledging their hard work and dedication.

Lieutenant Governor Sinha also unveiled the Kisan Sathi Chatbot, an AI-based farmer-friendly application developed by the Agriculture Production Department. The chatbot, supported by J&K Bank’s CSR initiative, aims to provide farmers with valuable information and resources.

Moreover, J&K Bank presented CSR cheques totaling over Rs. 10 crores to various organizations and institutions, demonstrating its commitment to social development and community well-being. These contributions included funding for e-bus bays/passenger sheds, patient trolleys and wheelchairs for district hospitals, transport ambulances, critical care ambulances, and support for educational institutions.

The event also featured the screening of two corporate movies highlighting the bank’s Ghar-Ghar KCC Abhiyaan & Swarozgar Utsav and CSR Initiatives, showcasing the positive impact the bank is making in the lives of J&K’s citizens.

A Collaborative Effort for Economic Prosperity

Chief Secretary Sh Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Agriculture Production Department Sh Shailendra Kumar, CGM NABARD Sh B. Sridhar, MD and CEO J&K Bank Sh Baldev Prakash, and other senior officials attended the event, underscoring the collaborative efforts underway to drive economic prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion

The record-breaking achievement of providing entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities to 94,680 youth in a single day underscores the commitment of the J&K government and J&K Bank to empower the region’s youth and transform its economic landscape. With ongoing initiatives such as Ghar Ghar KCC Abhiyaan, Swarozgar Utsav, and various CSR projects, J&K is poised for a brighter future, where economic prosperity and social development go hand in hand.