Reasi, July 16, 2025 – District Development Commissioner (DDC) Nidhi Malik chaired a pivotal meeting of the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) for Mission YUVA, approving 122 youth entrepreneurship cases to empower local youth in Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative, aimed at combating unemployment and fostering sustainable self-employment, provides financial assistance and mentorship to young entrepreneurs, particularly from underprivileged and marginalized communities. This development marks a significant step toward building a robust entrepreneurship ecosystem in the region under the #MissionYUVA program.
The meeting, held on July 15, 2025, reviewed 130 cases verified by the Small Business Development Units (SBDUs). After thorough scrutiny based on eligibility, business viability, and socio-economic backgrounds, the DLIC approved 122 cases for financial aid and handholding support. DDC Malik emphasized the importance of promoting self-employment opportunities to address youth unemployment, stating, “Our aim is to empower local youth with financial aid and mentoring to ensure sustainable livelihoods.” She directed stakeholders to assist beneficiaries in preparing sustainable project reports to enhance the success of their ventures.
Mission YUVA, launched virtually by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on June 28, 2025, from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, is a flagship initiative to foster youth empowerment through entrepreneurship, capacity building, and mentorship. The program aligns with national efforts like the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) and Himayat, which focus on skill development, vocational training, and apprenticeship opportunities for rural youth. In Reasi, the initiative has garnered significant participation, with local entrepreneurs lauded as role models to inspire others, creating a ripple effect of innovation and economic growth.
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including ADDC Sukhdev Singh Samyal, AD Employment Annie Vaid (Member Secretary), DSWO Kanika, representatives from J&K Bank, DDM NABARD, and JKEDI, among others. Their collaborative efforts ensure that approved cases receive comprehensive support, including access to financial resources, training programs, and market linkages to establish viable businesses.
DDC Malik highlighted the transformative potential of Mission YUVA, noting that it not only addresses unemployment but also promotes social inclusion by prioritizing youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. The initiative complements other regional skill development programs, such as those under the Directorate of Skill Development, Jammu and Kashmir, which oversees Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and polytechnics to provide market-driven skills and apprenticeship training. By fostering job creators rather than job seekers, Mission YUVA is poised to reshape the economic landscape of Reasi and beyond.
This approval of 122 cases is a testament to the district administration’s commitment to youth innovation and economic empowerment. As Reasi moves toward a future of sustainable development, the success of these young entrepreneurs will serve as a beacon for others, reinforcing the vision of a vibrant and self-reliant Jammu and Kashmir.
