Mission YUVA to become national benchmark for self-employment schemes: CM Omar Abdullah
CM disburses ₹100 Cr in 3,003 cases, marks ₹1,000 Cr milestone; launches Credit Guarantee Fund, inaugurates 20 SBDUs
Calls for transforming job seekers into job providers; emphasises mission-mode governance
JAMMU, MARCH 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today 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.
“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.
“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.
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.
Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javid Ahmad Dar and Satish Sharma, several MLAs, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Labour & Employment Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Director IIM Jammu, Mission Director Mission YUVA, Deputy Commissioners, entrepreneurs, beneficiaries and other stakeholders were present on the occasion.
Outstation officers and beneficiaries attended the programme through video conferencing.
