What if the future of employment in Jammu & Kashmir no longer depended on waiting for Government jobs, but on the ideas, courage, and creativity of its youth?
Jammu and Kashmir has traditionally witnessed a strong inclination towards Government employment due to job security and social prestige; however, the limited capacity of the public sector has resulted in intense competition, long waiting periods, and underemployment among the region’s youth. In this context, nurturing a vibrant startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem offers a powerful alternative, one that creates jobs, reduces dependency on a single employment source, and builds a resilient, self-reliant economy. Rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, and human talent – from agriculture and tourism to handicrafts such as Basohli paintings, pashmina shawls, and carpets – the region holds immense untapped entrepreneurial potential. Mission YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan) is a transformative initiative of the Government designed to unlock this potential by empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups through skills development, mentorship, financial assistance, and market-oriented innovation. Aligned with national priorities and implemented in convergence with other self-employment schemes, Mission YUVA focuses not merely on generating ideas but on converting them into market-ready products and services that add value, preserve heritage, and promote sustainable livelihoods. By fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and a supportive innovation ecosystem, the programme positions young people at the forefront of economic growth, enabling them to become confident, future-ready leaders driving inclusive and sustainable development in Jammu & Kashmir.
The program has set clear strategic goals to guide its efforts over the next five years. One core objective is to educate participants on various business scales: nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises with each offering distinct opportunities:
Nano Enterprises – 1-2 people with initial investments up to Rs 1 lakh. These small, self-run ventures encourage individuals to start small-scale businesses, often beginning with minimal investment.
Micro Enterprises – 1-10 people with initial investments up to Rs 1 crore. These enterprises allow for modest expansion and are designed for individuals who can work with a small team.
Small Enterprises – 11-100 people with investments up to Rs 10 crore. This level supports more structured businesses that can begin creating jobs for the community.
Medium Enterprises – 100-500 people with investments up to Rs 50 crore. This category supports larger-scale businesses that can have a broader impact on the regional economy.
To achieve its ambitious goals, the program will follow the “4Cs” framework:
Culture: Build a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that encourages creativity and innovation at every level.
Capital: Facilitate access to credit, offering financial support that enables startups to scale their ideas into viable businesses.
Capacity: Prioritize skill development, mentorship, and handholding, helping youth gain the expertise necessary for successful entrepreneurship.
Connectivity: Establish market linkages to connect entrepreneurs with potential customers, partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring their products and services can reach a broader audience.
The impact of the program is projected to be transformative. Over the next five years, it aims to create 1.37 lakh new enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir, resulting in approximately 4.25 lakh new job opportunities for youth across the region. The program has allocated a substantial budget of Rs 1830 crore, with additional funding from banks and financial institutions expected to exceed ?5000 crore. To amplify its reach and effectiveness, the program will integrate with other self-employment and entrepreneurship schemes, creating a synergistic effect that strengthens the initiative’s outcomes and enhances its reach. By focusing on innovation, skill-building, and sustainable business practices, this program aims to make Jammu & Kashmir a thriving center for entrepreneurship. With targeted support and resources, it aspires to shape a generation of empowered youth, ready to lead the region towards a resilient and sustainable economy.
In conclusion, this initiative is set to reshape Jammu & Kashmir’s employment and economic landscape by empowering its youth with the tools, resources, and support they need to drive meaningful change. By fostering an environment of innovation, skill development, and sustainable entrepreneurship, the program is laying the foundation for a resilient economy where opportunities are abundant, and talent is nurtured.
This journey not only aims to create hundreds of thousands of jobs but also envisions a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that positions Jammu & Kashmir as a hub of sustainable growth and progress. Through bold ambitions and strategic support, this program is unlocking the region’s potential and inspiring a new generation to lead with vision, passion, and purpose. By nurturing a startup culture, Jammu and Kashmir can break away from a limited dependency on Government jobs, build economic resilience, and unlock the vast potential of its youth.
The road may require effort and gradual cultural change, but it is essential for a prosperous, self-sustaining, and innovative future for the region. Sustainable economic growth is no longer driven by employment alone, but by entrepreneurship, innovation, and the ability of youth to create value in emerging markets.
(The author is a Fulbright Fellow USA & Nodal Officer Mission YUVA Higher Education Department UT of J&K.)
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