Awantipora, July 16,2026-In a significant milestone for women entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir, Samira Jan from Awantipora has launched the Union Territory’s first travel agency supported under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM). The initiative marks a major step towards empowering rural women through sustainable self-employment and promoting entrepreneurship under the Central Government’s flagship livelihood programme.
Supported by the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM), Samira Jan transformed her entrepreneurial vision into reality by establishing a travel agency that offers a range of tourism and travel-related services. Her venture not only creates new livelihood opportunities but also contributes to strengthening the local tourism ecosystem in the Kashmir Valley.
The agency is expected to provide services such as tour packages, hotel bookings, transportation arrangements, pilgrimage travel assistance, and customised travel experiences, catering to both domestic and international visitors. The initiative is also generating employment opportunities for local youth while encouraging women to venture into non-traditional business sectors.
Samira Jan’s achievement highlights the growing impact of the DAY-NRLM in enabling rural women to become financially independent through skill development, institutional support, and access to credit. The scheme has been instrumental in promoting women-led enterprises across Jammu and Kashmir by supporting Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and encouraging innovative business ventures.
Her success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring women entrepreneurs, demonstrating how government-backed livelihood programmes can transform ideas into successful enterprises. It also reflects the government’s continued focus on strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting women-led development, and creating sustainable employment opportunities across the Union Territory.
The launch of J&K’s first NRLM-supported travel agency is expected to encourage more women to explore entrepreneurship in the tourism and hospitality sector, contributing to inclusive economic growth and the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
