Jammu & Kashmir LG Shri Manoj Sinha launched the ‘Hausla 2.0’ and the JK Startup Portal in Srinagar today, aiming to build on the success of Hausla 1.0. The new initiative seeks to enhance financial inclusion among women in Jammu and Kashmir by promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating market access. In his address, he congratulated and extended his best wishes to the women and young startup entrepreneurs on the occasion. He emphasised that the primary objective of the Hausla program is to harness the entrepreneurial potential of women in J&K UT, increase their financial access, and expand their market reach. The program aims to create a nurturing ecosystem for women’s economic empowerment. He said we want women entrepreneurs of J&K UT to build global brands and fortunes through their own hard work and strong drive. Our focus is women-led development, and dedicated efforts have been made for women’s economic participation to boost economic growth, highlighted that the overarching goal is to establish a sustainable enterprise model that contributes to employment generation and economic growth. Reiterating the UT Administration’s resolve to promote entrepreneurship and startups in J&K under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the LG Shri Manoj Sinha stated that initiatives like the Startup Policy demonstrate their commitment to providing necessary support and resources to the youth to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality. “The new JK Startup portal will ensure the seamless execution of the Startup Policy. The portal will streamline the application process for various support mechanisms such as seed funding, mentoring, startup awards, and claiming infrastructure benefits for the development of incubators/incubation facilities,” Also commended the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), J&K Bank, and other stakeholders for their significant contributions to empowering women and young entrepreneurs in the UT. To support the startup ecosystem and promote innovation in the region, JKEDI signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with five higher educational institutions. The LG noted that these MoUs will help students enhance their skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups. Reflecting on J&K’s exceptional journey towards peace, progress, and prosperity, he called upon the people to stand united against divisive forces attempting to disrupt peace in the region. He assured that the Administration and Security Forces are determined to thwart any adversarial designs and eliminate terrorism and its supporters from J&K. On the occasion, women entrepreneurs associated with Hausla 1.0 shared their success stories and expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT Administration for providing necessary support and guidance for their business ventures. The Hausla 1.0 program has successfully trained 118 women entrepreneurs, expanded networks, facilitated participation in national exhibitions, and increased market reach. Under Hausla 2.0, JKEDI will ensure quality training sessions at the district level for the selected 400 women entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kashmir. This decentralised approach aims to ensure broader regional participation and cater to women from various sectors.