Jammu/Srinagar, Apr 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) has successfully concluded its first batch of Management Development Programs (MDPs) in 15 Districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, an initiative funded by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India and implemented by the Industries and Commerce Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
These Management Development Programmes (MDPs) started on April 15, 2025, in the districts including Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Udhampur, Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama and Shopian. In these MDPs, 299 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs underwent a 30-hour-long comprehensive training program of 30 hours spread over six days, including a field visit and interaction with experts from various sectors.
The trained candidates include 207 females, which is both notable and encouraging, and reflects a significant shift towards greater gender inclusivity in the region’s entrepreneurial and professional development landscape. Out of the candidates trained, 178 hail from the Kashmir division, while 121 are from the Jammu division.
During these MDPs, the candidates were exposed to strengthen their managerial, financial and strategic skills aimed at empowering them to scale up operations, enhance competitiveness and create sustainable enterprises. This flagship initiative is being implemented in alignment with the broader objectives of the Government of India’s RAMP program to bolster the MSME ecosystem. The MDP curriculum, meticulously designed by subject matter experts, included modules on business planning, marketing strategies, digital tools, financial literacy, compliance, innovation, and leadership. The program also included mentorship sessions, case studies, and hands-on workshops to provide real-world insights.
The successful conclusion of these MDPs of 15 districts of Jammu and Kashmir is a testament to the commitment of JKEDI to empower the local entrepreneurs. Through targeted training, sector-specific expertise, and real-world exposure, the institute is equipping the entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge required to scale their businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy of the region. The simultaneous launch of MDPs in 15 districts was aimed at ensuring equitable access of the participants to the resources and training opportunities, particularly in remote and underdeveloped areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
In these MDPs, sector-specific training was imparted to the trainees during the course, in which subject matter specialists from District Industries Centres, Labour and Employment Department interacted with the participants and shared useful insights with them. Field visits of the trainees to the successful business ventures were also organised during the programs to provide them with real-time business exposure. The MPDs were constantly monitored by the designated Range/Reviewing Officers, who interacted with the participants periodically for their feedback about the training being imparted.
Commenting on the conclusion of 15 MDPs under RAMP scheme, Director JKEDI, Khalid Jahangir (JKAS) said, “It is heartening to see the successful conclusion of 15 Management Development Programs (MDPs) under the RAMP scheme, with 299 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs having completed their 30-hour training. This initiative is a key step in strengthening our MSME ecosystem by building capacity and fostering innovation. JKEDI will continue to work closely with all the stakeholders to expand such programs, ensuring that entrepreneurs from all sectors of the economy have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
The successful completion of the MDPs is expected to have a long-lasting impact on the business ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the creation of more resilient, innovative, and competitive enterprises that will play a key role in driving regional economic growth.
