Kupwara, February 23,2026- In a significant boost to local entrepreneurship, Kupwara youth Aijaz Ahmad Bhat has established a home cleaning products manufacturing unit, branded as “ALBEE,” under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme .
An MBA graduate, Aijaz launched the unit with financial assistance from Jammu & Kashmir Bank under the government-sponsored scheme aimed at promoting self-employment and micro-enterprises.
Promoting Self-Reliance & Local Jobs
The PMEGP scheme, a flagship initiative to generate sustainable employment opportunities, has enabled Aijaz to turn his entrepreneurial vision into reality. The ALBEE unit manufactures home cleaning products, contributing to local production while encouraging consumers to support indigenous brands.
By setting up the unit in Kupwara district, Aijaz has not only created a livelihood for himself but has also opened doors for local job creation, particularly for youth seeking employment opportunities within the region.
Boost to Startup Culture in North Kashmir
Officials said such initiatives reflect the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, where educated youth are increasingly opting for self-employment over traditional job routes. The financial backing from J&K Bank under PMEGP has been instrumental in nurturing small-scale industries in districts like Kupwara.
Aijaz’s venture stands as an example of how government schemes, combined with determination and education, can drive economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
The success of ventures like ALBEE reinforces the message of “Vocal for Local” and highlights the transformative impact of entrepreneurship in strengthening the district’s economy.
Keywords: Aijaz Ahmad Bhat, Kupwara Entrepreneur, ALBEE Home Cleaning Products, PMEGP Scheme, J&K Bank Support, Startup India, Self-Employment Jammu Kashmir, Local Job Creation Kupwara, Youth Entrepreneurship J&K.