The challenge facing us today lies in creating viable opportunities for industries, particularly small-scale and rural industries, while simultaneously improving the conditions for skilled workers, artisans, and people engaged in traditional village industries. The goal is not just to increase production but to foster an ecosystem where these artisans and workers, who contribute immensely to our local economy, can thrive and access better opportunities.
In this context, the Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) has launched two significant schemes under the Employment Generation Programs—the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the J&K Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP). These schemes are designed to promote entrepreneurship, improve the livelihoods of skilled workers, and help industries grow by providing the necessary financial support and infrastructure.
The PMEGP scheme is one of the cornerstones of industrial growth in Jammu & Kashmir. This scheme is open to all adults, providing loans to aspiring entrepreneurs to establish their own manufacturing or service businesses. Under this program, loans of up to ₹50 lakhs are available for manufacturing sectors, and ₹20 lakhs for service sectors. The diverse range of industries that can benefit from this scheme includes areas like sheet metal works, tile production, garment making, and other traditional crafts that employ a significant number of skilled artisans. To date, the scheme has successfully funded 261 cases through banks and other financial institutions. A total amount of ₹3.24 crore has been disbursed to support these ventures, helping local entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses.
By creating this financial access, the program not only enables artisans to work independently but also empowers them to scale up their operations, thus creating a larger impact on the local economy and providing more jobs.
On the other hand, the J&K Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP) is targeted at educated youth in rural areas. This scheme caters to youth between the ages of 18 to 40 years and encourages them to engage in entrepreneurial activities in areas like dairy farming, poultry, floriculture, and tourism. In particular, we have seen a growing demand in industries like cut flower cultivation, poultry farming, and small-scale guesthouses or restaurants for tourists. These sectors not only create immediate employment but also boost the rural economy by utilising local resources. The enthusiastic response to these schemes, especially in emerging sectors like floriculture and tourism, is a testament to the vision of educated youth striving for self-reliance.
The Shopian District has been recognised as a leader in the implementation of this scheme, being number one in Jammu & Kashmir in terms of target achievement and performance. This success proves that when young people are provided with the right resources and support, they can transform their local economies and create employment opportunities for others.
Our vision is clear: by supporting the growth of village industries and the skilled artisans behind them, we can not only promote local economic development but also foster self-sustainability. The focus now is to ensure that more educated youth benefit from the JKREGP scheme and create new ventures, which in turn will provide more opportunities for employment. By enhancing the access to financial resources, imparting necessary skills, and providing continuous support, we aim to provide a foundation that enables people to stand on their own feet. Our goal is to not only improve the livelihood of artisans and entrepreneurs but also to contribute to a more dynamic, diversified, and self-reliant economy in Jammu & Kashmir.
The schemes under PMEGP and JKREGP, along with initiatives aimed at empowering artisans and entrepreneurs in rural areas, are instrumental in creating a sustainable and self-reliant economic ecosystem. With the continued support of these schemes, we hope to see more artisans rise to prominence, establish their own businesses, and contribute to the overall development of Jammu & Kashmir. Together, we can build an environment where skilled people and young entrepreneurs are given the tools and opportunities they need to succeed.