Rajouri, May 9,2026-Basant Kumar, a young entrepreneur from a border village in Rajouri district, has emerged as a symbol of self-reliance and rural empowerment through the successful implementation of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). His journey from a resident of a remote border area to a job creator highlights the transformative impact of Central Government welfare schemes in Jammu & Kashmir.
With financial assistance and institutional support under PMEGP, Basant Kumar established his own enterprise, generating employment opportunities for local youth and contributing to the economic growth of his village. His success story reflects how government-backed entrepreneurship initiatives are changing lives in far-flung and border regions of the Union Territory.
Basant Kumar said that the PMEGP scheme provided him with the confidence and financial support needed to start his business. He added that access to credit facilities, training and guidance enabled him to turn his idea into a sustainable source of livelihood.
The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, implemented by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), aims to promote self-employment and micro-enterprises across the country, particularly in rural and economically weaker regions. In Jammu & Kashmir, the scheme has played a crucial role in encouraging entrepreneurship among youth and reducing unemployment.
Local residents appreciated Basant Kumar’s initiative, saying that such success stories inspire other young people in border villages to explore entrepreneurship instead of depending solely on traditional sources of income.
Officials stated that several youth across Rajouri and other districts are benefiting from PMEGP and similar self-employment schemes, helping strengthen grassroots economic development in the region.
