Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha launched the ‘Hausla 2.0’ and JK Startup Portal at Srinagar, today, an official press release informed.
It said building on the success of the Hausla 1.0, the inaugural batch, Hausla 2.0 seeks to enhance financial inclusion among women in Jammu & Kashmir by promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating market access.
In his address, the LG, according to the official release, congratulated and extended his best wishes to the women and young startup entrepreneurs on the occasion.
He said the prime objective of the Hausla program is to harness the entrepreneurial potential of women in J&K UT, increase financial access and market reach for women entrepreneurs and to create a nurturing ecosystem for women’s economic empowerment.
“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,” the LG said.
The overarching goal is to establish a sustainable enterprise model that contributes to employment generation and economic growth, he added.
Reiterating the UT administration’s resolve to promote entrepreneurship and startups in J&K, “under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, the LG said “the endeavours like Startup Policy is a testimony to our commitment to provide 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 viz. seed funding, mentoring, startup awards and claiming infrastructure benefits for development of incubators/incubation facilities,” the LG said.
The LG also commended the JKTPO, JKEDI, J&K Bank and other stakeholders for their significant contribution in empowering the women and young entrepreneurs of the UT.
To support the startup ecosystem and promote innovation in the region, JKEDI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today with five higher educational institutions.
The LG said the MoUs will help the students enhance their skills and knowledge with entrepreneurship, innovation and startups.
On the occasion, women entrepreneurs associated with Hausla 1.0. shared their success stories. They also expressed gratitude to the LG-led UT administration for providing necessary support and guidance for their business ventures, the press release said.
It said the Hausla 1.0 programme 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 to the selected 400 women entrepreneurs from Jammu Kashmir. This decentralized approach will ensure broader regional participation and cater to women from various sectors, it was informed.
Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST; Prof. Nazir Ahmed Ganai, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir; Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Khalid Jahangir, Managing Director, JKTPO; Rajinder Sharma, Director, JKEDI; HoDs, representatives of trade bodies; women and young entrepreneurs were present in large numbers.
