POONCH: In a significant initiative aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship and self-employment, a one-day Capacity Building Workshop-cum- Entrepreneurship Mela was organized today under the aegis of Mission YUVA in District Poonch.
The event was organized by the District Employment Counseling Centre Poonch and held today, 02-08-2025 (Saturday), at the office complex, drawing enthusiastic participation.
The programme was graced by Pankaj Magotra (JKAS), Additional District Development Commissioner as chief guest and Nodal Officer, Mission YUVA.
In his address, the ADDC highlighted the pivotal role of Mission YUVA in empowering youth through skill development, entrepreneurial education, and institutional support.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Shri Abdul Majid Tantray Deputy Director Employment, Poonch, who set the tone of the programme by emphasizing the objectives of Mission YUVA and the importance of such capacity-building initiatives for the district’s youth.
Different departments put up vibrant stalls at the event, highlighting various government initiatives and local achievements. Notably, stalls showcasing skill development programs from Government Polytechnic College and ITI Poonch and JK NRLM (UMEED) attracted significant attention. These stalls presented a range of innovative student projects and vocational training models aimed at empowering youth with practical skills.
The Additional District Development Commissioner Poonch thoroughly visited each stall, appreciated the efforts of the institutions, and encouraged further promotion of skill-oriented education to boost employment opportunities.
Successful entrepreneurs participated in the event and shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys with potential entrepreneurs. They spoke about their challenges, achievements, and key learnings, motivating potential entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
Five enthusiastic students from Degree College Poonch participated in a speaking competition on the theme of self-employment. Each student spoke eloquently, captivating the audience with their ideas and perspectives.
As a gesture of appreciation, mementos were later presented to all participants. In the concluding session, a practical demonstration of the Mission Yuva portal was held, guiding attendees on how to register for loan schemes, access skill development programs, and navigate other key modules available through the dedicated mobile application.
The Nodal Officer from JKEDI participated in the event and provided a detailed briefing about the JK Startup Policy, a significant initiative by the government. He encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to register under the scheme if they possess innovative and promising business ideas.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from a wide range of attendees, including Mission YUVA beneficiaries, college students, ITI trainees, and polytechnic students, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship among the youth of the district.
Throughout the day, several technical sessions and awareness workshops were held, focusing on topics such as entrepreneurship development, financial assistance schemes, DPR formulation, skill training, and business incubation support. Subject experts and departmental resource persons provided valuable insights to guide and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Deputy Director Employment m, Abdul Majid Tantray, who expressed gratitude to all participants, resource persons, departments, and the Chief Guest for their active involvement and support in making the event a success.
The Mela-cum-Workshop served as a robust platform to connect the youth with key government resources and reiterated the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable economic growth under the Mission YUVA framework.
