South Kashmir, July 2025:In a significant stride towards women empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir, the Entrepreneurship & Skill Development Centre Balapur, established on 22 July 2020, has become a catalyst for change in the lives of women from Shopian and Pulwama districts. Dedicated to fostering self-reliance, skill enhancement, and economic independence, the centre is run under the aegis of Project Sadbhavana and financially supported by the Toha Foundation since 15 February 2021.
Functioning as a hub for women’s socio-economic upliftment, ESDC Balapur offers a diverse range of skill development courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of rural women. These include stitching and tailoring, food processing, knitting, computer and internet training, and even driving classes—all designed to increase employability and entrepreneurship potential.
Since its inception, the centre has successfully conducted 28 training programmes, jointly facilitated by Project Sadbhavana and the Toha Foundation, impacting the lives of more than 520 women and girls. In 2025 alone, 150 trainees completed certified skill training across various disciplines, highlighting the centre’s expanding reach and relevance.
With a total financial investment of ₹1.05 crore, of which ₹60 lakhs was contributed by Project Sadbhavana and ₹45 lakhs by the Toha Foundation, the initiative showcases a strong collaborative commitment to rural skill development and gender-inclusive progress in the region.
By providing structured training, mentorship, and a nurturing environment, ESDC Balapur has not only equipped women with vocational skills but also instilled in them a sense of self-confidence, dignity, and financial independence. The centre stands as a model for sustainable development, showcasing how public-private partnerships can fuel transformative social change in conflict-affected and underserved areas of South Kashmir.
