Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today urged the youth to strive for becoming job-providers by tapping on to various self-employment schemes.
He expressed hope that Mission YUVA would emerge as a model for self-employment schemes across the country, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir aims to set a national benchmark in entrepreneurship-led development.
The chief minister made these remarks while addressing the Yuva Mahotsav—Mission YUVA programme held at the Convention Centre here, where he interacted with entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of the scheme, an official press release informed.
“In the future, not only should I believe this, but we have taken it as a mission that in the whole country, in all the states, if any self-employment or entrepreneurship scheme is used as an example, it should be the Jammu & Kashmir Mission Yuva Scheme. And from my side, and from the side of my colleagues, we will continue to help you as much as we can,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to stay connected with the scheme and continue to bring forward new ideas and expansion plans.
Highlighting the importance of the initiative, the chief minister said unemployment remains the biggest and most complex issue facing Jammu and Kashmir.
“I would like to say a few words about the importance of this mission. We all know that there is a very big and complicated issue of unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir. You can see this issue everywhere in Jammu and Kashmir—whether in the plains, hilly or remote areas,” he said.
He reiterated that no country has solved unemployment solely through government jobs.
“I have always said that no country has solved the issue of unemployment through government employment. I am not saying that we will not provide government jobs, it is our duty. But we also know that we cannot provide government jobs to everyone. If we cannot provide them, then what? Should the government raise its hands? We cannot do this,” he said.
Calling it a failure to do nothing beyond government hiring, the chief minister stressed the need to create opportunities for self-employment.
“It is our duty to create a situation where people can create their own units. Instead of asking for jobs, you should be the ones who provide the jobs,” he added.
He said the government aims to empower youth so that they transition from job-seekers to job-providers.
“We want to strengthen your hands so much that instead of asking for jobs, you yourselves start providing jobs to people,” he said.
The chief minister highlighted that the scheme’s success lies in its mission-mode implementation.
“Within a year, if this scheme distributes ₹1,000 crore, we could have called it a youth scheme or programme, but we used the word ‘mission’ because we have taken it in a mission mode,” he said.
He added that working in mission mode brings seriousness, energy and renewed focus.
“Schemes will continue, but taking something in a mission mode is different. A new life and seriousness come into it,” he noted.
The chief minister expressed gratitude to J&K Bank for its crucial role in implementing the scheme.
“I am very thankful to J&K Bank because this is not possible without their support,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in securing loans, including collateral requirements, guarantees and associated risks.
“Those who have opened units know how difficult it is to take a loan—where to get collateral, who will guarantee it. There is always fear that if the business fails, families may lose their assets,” he said.
He pointed out that even large industrialists face uncertainties, making risk a universal factor.
“Even big industrialists in this country have seen their businesses shut down. So, the fear is real,” he said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised that the government’s role goes beyond financial support.
“Our work is not just to give you a cheque. Even after that, we must support you, whether in marketing or expansion,” he said.
Referring humorously to his own efforts to promote businesses, he said even small gestures can help.
“If from my one tweet, their OTT platform gains two viewers, it is still something. If I go and eat ice cream somewhere and more people follow, that is also our work,” he remarked.
He acknowledged that entrepreneurship is challenging and not everyone may succeed.
“Opening and running a business is not easy. Not everyone can become an entrepreneur. But those who can should not face obstacles due to funding or DPR issues,” he said.
The chief minister cited examples of young entrepreneurs, including a PhD from Srinagar who started a mobile car spa service.
“He had the idea and education, but without funding, such ideas remain on paper,” he said.
He also referred to the challenges of launching platforms like OTT services, noting their complexity and importance in promoting J&K’s culture globally.
Encouraging beneficiaries, the chief minister expressed hope that businesses would grow and generate employment.
“Those who have employed five people should employ 10–15 next year so that this process continues,” he said.
He assured periodic review of the scheme to improve its effectiveness.
The chief minister stressed the importance of constructive feedback.
“In open forums, positive aspects are highlighted. But in closed rooms, we must also listen to those who faced difficulties,” he said.
He said identifying weaknesses and addressing them is key to strengthening the mission.
He also called for dovetailing Mission YUVA with other initiatives like Lakhpati Didi.
“If we connect grassroots entrepreneurs with Mission YUVA, provide easy funding, help in DPR preparation and marketing, then one day, inshallah, Lakhpati Didis will become Crorepati Didis,” he said.
Highlighting the inclusive nature of the programme, the chief minister noted participation across party lines.
“You can see BJP, Congress, Independents, National Conference—all are here. This shows there is no politics in this effort. We are here to reduce unemployment and support your entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.
He concluded by thanking the Deputy Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and all departments for their contributions.
On the occasion, the chief minister carried out a single-day mega disbursal covering 3,003 cases amounting to over ₹100 crore, marking a major milestone alongside achieving ₹1,000 crore cumulative credit by J&K Bank under Mission YUVA, the press release said.
He also launched a Credit Guarantee Fund for agri-allied activities and digitally inaugurated 20 Small Business Development Units (SBDUs).
The chief minister interacted with entrepreneurs, appreciated their business ideas and distributed cheques among beneficiaries of Neo Innovative Enterprises (Seed Money) as well as those covered under the 3,003 disbursal cases.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary said the initiative marks the beginning of a transformative journey and reaffirmed that the Omar Abdullah-led government will deliver on its promise of employment, enabling youth to become self-reliant and both employed and employers.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo assured full government support to youth wherever required.
Managing Director & CEO, J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee said that rarely has a government-backed initiative achieved such success in any State or Union Territory.
Outstation officers and beneficiaries attended the programme through video conferencing.
