SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has organised entrepreneurship awareness and capacity-building programmes in Tangdar and Keran areas of Kupwara district, aiming to extend information on government schemes and self-employment opportunities to residents of remote border regions.
The programmes were conducted by the Branch MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Srinagar, with support from the district administration, Kupwara. Officials said these were the first such initiatives undertaken by the ministry in the two border areas.
The programmes focused on creating awareness about various schemes of the Ministry of MSME and other government departments aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, skill development and enterprise creation. Information was provided on schemes including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Vishwakarma and other livelihood-oriented initiatives of the Central and Jammu and Kashmir governments.
Participants were briefed about eligibility criteria, application procedures, financial assistance, credit-linked support and skill development opportunities available under different schemes. Officials also interacted with attendees and addressed queries related to setting up and expanding small businesses.
According to organisers, the programme at Keran witnessed significant participation from students interested in learning about entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.
In Tangdar, women participated in large numbers and sought information about government support for starting small businesses and income-generating ventures, highlighting the potential for women-led enterprises in the region.
Joint Director and Head of Office, MSME DFO Jammu, A.K. Tamaria, who attended the programmes, emphasised the importance of extending entrepreneurial support to all sections of society, irrespective of geographical location. He encouraged participants to avail themselves of schemes offered by the Central and Union Territory governments.
Assistant Director, Branch MSME DFO Srinagar, Saheel Alaqband, said the initiative was aimed at ensuring last-mile delivery of government schemes and improving access to information for people living in remote areas.
Officials from departments including Agriculture, banking institutions and other government agencies also participated in the programmes and informed beneficiaries about various support mechanisms available for enterprise development and livelihood generation.