JAMMU, MARCH 09: To commemorate International Women’s Day, an Entrepreneurship Mela under the flagship Mission YUVA initiative was organised at the Common Facility Centre, Panjgrian, in Block Nagrota of Jammu.
The event showcased the growing strength of women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local entrepreneurs, highlighting their contribution to grassroots economic development. Multiple stalls were established by SHGs and allied line departments to exhibit locally manufactured products, traditional crafts, and innovative small business ventures. The exhibition served as a platform for participants to present their skills while promoting indigenous products.
Various government departments also used the occasion to spread awareness about livelihood-generation schemes and self-employment opportunities. Officials guided attendees on financial assistance programs, skill-development initiatives, and institutional mechanisms designed to support emerging entrepreneurs.
Member Legislative Assembly Nagrota, Devyani Rana, attended the programme as the Chief Guest. During her visit, she inspected the stalls and interacted with SHG members and budding entrepreneurs, appreciating their dedication and enterprise. She praised the participants for building sustainable local ventures and emphasised the importance of women’s active participation in economic activities.
The MLA highlighted that such initiatives not only strengthen household incomes but also play a significant role in promoting self-reliance and inclusive development. She encouraged women and youth to take advantage of government schemes and entrepreneurial platforms to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses.
Officials from the District Employment & Counselling Centre Jammu also addressed the gathering and elaborated on the core objectives of Mission YUVA. They informed participants about the institutional support system available for aspiring entrepreneurs, including training programmes, financial linkages, mentorship support, and market access.
The officers sensitised attendees about the wide range of opportunities provided under Mission YUVA to help youth and women establish new enterprises. They stressed that entrepreneurship is a key driver of economic empowerment and employment generation, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
The mela concluded with a collective pledge to enhance participation of women and youth in entrepreneurial initiatives. Speakers emphasised that empowering local entrepreneurs would strengthen grassroots economic development and accelerate the region’s progress towards self-reliance.
The programme reflected the government’s continued commitment to promoting women empowerment, skill development, and sustainable livelihood creation through dedicated entrepreneurship initiatives.
