SRINAGAR, AUGUST 28: In a significant initiative aimed at extending the reach of entrepreneurship development and MSME schemes to the remotest areas of Jammu & Kashmir, the Branch MSME Development & Facilitation Office (DFO), Srinagar, Ministry of MSME, organized entrepreneurship awareness and capacity-building programmes at Tangdar and Keran, two border areas of Kupwara district.

The programmes, organized with the active support and coordination of the District Administration, Kupwara, mark the first-ever such capacity-building and entrepreneurship awareness initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of MSME in these remote border areas. The initiative was conceived with the objective of taking information about Government schemes and programmes directly to the people residing in areas where access to formal entrepreneurship-support mechanisms and institutional guidance remains limited.

The programmes focused on creating awareness regarding various schemes and initiatives of the Ministry of MSME and other Government departments aimed at promoting self-employment, entrepreneurship, skill development and enterprise creation. Particular emphasis was laid on schemes such as the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), PM Vishwakarma, and other entrepreneurship and livelihood-oriented initiatives of the Union Government and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

The sessions provided participants with information regarding the eligibility criteria, application procedures, financial assistance, credit-linked support, skill development opportunities and other benefits available under various schemes. Officials also interacted directly with participants and addressed their queries regarding starting and expanding small enterprises.

The response from both locations was encouraging. At Keran, a large number of students participated enthusiastically and showed keen interest in understanding various avenues available for entrepreneurship, self-employment and enterprise development. The interaction highlighted the aspirations of the younger generation in remote border areas and their willingness to explore opportunities beyond traditional employment avenues.

At Tangdar, the programme witnessed particularly encouraging participation from women, who expressed considerable interest in entrepreneurial activities and in understanding Government support available for starting small businesses and income-generating activities. The interaction underlined the considerable potential for promoting women-led enterprises and strengthening household livelihoods through entrepreneurship in remote areas.

The programmes were graced by A.K. Tamaria, Joint Director and Head of Office, MSME DFO Jammu, who interacted with the participants and highlighted the importance of developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem that reaches every section of society, irrespective of geographical location. He further motivated participants to avail benefits of the scheme implemented by the Centre and UT government.

Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Director, Branch MSME DFO Srinagar, Saheel Alaqband, emphasized the importance of taking Government schemes to the last mile.

“The objective of such programmes is not merely to conduct awareness activities, but to ensure that information about Government schemes reaches those who need it the most. People living in remote and border areas often have limited opportunities and limited access to institutional guidance. It may be challenging to organize programmes in such locations, but that is precisely why such initiatives are important. If opportunities cannot reach these communities through conventional means, we must take the opportunities to their doorstep,” he said.

The initiative reflects the Ministry of MSME’s continued commitment towards inclusive enterprise development and last-mile delivery of Government schemes.

Officials from various departments and institutions also participated in the programmes, including representatives from Agriculture, Lead Bank and other concerned Government agencies. Their participation provided the beneficiaries with an opportunity to understand the convergence of various schemes and the support available from different institutions for establishing and sustaining enterprises.