Srinagar, September 21, 2025 – In a bold stride towards youth empowerment, J&K Bank has launched Mission Yuva, a transformative initiative designed to fuel the entrepreneurial dreams of young talents across Jammu & Kashmir. Unveiled by Managing Director & CEO Baldev Prakash, the program targets 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18-35, offering financial support, skill-building workshops, and mentorship to turn innovative ideas into thriving ventures. With an initial outlay of ₹50 crore in low-interest loans and grants, Mission Yuva aligns with the bank’s vision of fostering self-reliance and economic growth in the region.The launch event at the bank’s corporate headquarters drew enthusiastic participation from students, startups, and dignitaries, marking a pivotal moment in J&K’s youth development landscape. “At J&K Bank, we believe in powering the dreams of our youth – the true architects of tomorrow’s J&K,” said Prakash, emphasizing the program’s role in bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity.
Skill-Building and Mentorship: The Core of Mission Yuva
Mission Yuva goes beyond funding, featuring a robust ecosystem of skill development workshops in areas like digital marketing, financial literacy, agribusiness, and tech startups. Partnering with institutions such as the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE) and local incubators, the initiative will host six-month incubation programs in Srinagar, Jammu, and emerging hubs like Anantnag and Kathua. Selected participants will receive tailored mentorship from industry veterans, access to co-working spaces, and priority banking services, ensuring holistic support from ideation to market entry.Early success stories include a group of 50 youth from rural Kashmir, who pitched sustainable tourism apps and eco-friendly handicraft models during the launch demo day. “This isn’t just funding; it’s a launchpad for our ideas,” shared one beneficiary, highlighting how Mission Yuva democratizes access to resources often out of reach for young innovators in J&K.
Driving Economic Revival and Youth Employment
Amid J&K’s push for post-pandemic recovery, Mission Yuva addresses the critical need for youth employment, with over 60% of the region’s population under 30. By focusing on sectors like tourism, agriculture, and IT – key to the UT’s economy – the program aims to generate 5,000 direct jobs within three years. It also integrates with government schemes like Startup India and PMEGP, amplifying impact through seamless funding linkages.Financial experts praise the bank’s proactive approach: “J&K Bank’s Mission Yuva exemplifies corporate social responsibility at its finest, blending profit with purpose to uplift the next generation,” noted a senior economist from SKUAST-Kashmir.As applications open today via the bank’s digital portal, Mission Yuva signals a brighter horizon for J&K’s youth, where banking meets boundless potential.Keywords: J&K Bank, Mission Yuva, youth empowerment, entrepreneurial dreams, Jammu & Kashmir, Managing Director Baldev Prakash, skill development workshops, low-interest loans, startup incubation, self-reliance, economic growth, youth employment, sustainable tourism, agribusiness, tech startups.
