Srinagar, July 12, 2025 – Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the valedictory function of the women’s vocational training course at Army Goodwill School Balapur, Shopian, and felicitated women trainees who completed their Vocational Training and Life Enhancement Skills Courses at six Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Enhancement Centres in Shopian, Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag, and Pampore.The Lieutenant Governor commended Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas evam Sewa Sansthan, Project Toha Social, and the Indian Army for their remarkable efforts in empowering 1481 women, including 125 trainees from the recently concluded course, through skill development and women-centric initiatives. He emphasized the transformative impact of these programs on women empowerment and rural economy in Jammu and Kashmir.Paying tribute to Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Shri Sinha highlighted his pioneering role in advocating women’s rights, equality, and social justice, noting that his values continue to inspire the nation. He credited the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for transforming women’s empowerment into a mass movement in the region.
“Women-led development is key to overcoming challenges like terrorism, drug addiction, and other social evils, paving the way for a peaceful and prosperous J&K,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He underscored the administration’s commitment to the social and economic upliftment of women, ensuring they are not just beneficiaries but active partners in J&K’s growth journey. Shri Sinha called for annual follow-ups to support trainees in scaling their businesses and urged efforts to bridge the gap between male and female entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas. He emphasised recognising women’s inherent abilities and promoting their leadership roles across sectors to ensure equal opportunities for success.
The Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also praised the Indian Army for its community engagement and development programs, noting their dual role in safeguarding India’s unity and integrity while driving societal transformation.The event was attended by GOC 15 Corps Lieutenant General Prashant Srivastava, GOC Victor Force Major General Dhananjay Joshi, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, DIG SKR Shri Javid Iqbal Matoo, Deputy Commissioner Shopian Shri Shishir Gupta, senior officials from the Police, Civil Administration, and Army, members of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas evam Sewa Sansthan, and a large number of youth.
