• By RK News
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• 31 Mar 2026

Mission YUVA should become national benchmark: CM

Disburses ₹100 cr in 3,003 cases Marks ₹1,000 cr milestone Launches Credit Guarantee Fund Inaugurates 20 SBDUs

Jammu, Mar 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday 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. Addressing the Yuva Mahotsav—Mission YUVA programme at the Convention Centre here, where he interacted with entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of the scheme, the Chief Minister said, “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 and Kashmir Mission Yuva Scheme. From my side, and from the side of my colleagues, we will continue to help you as much as we can.” 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 described unemployment as the biggest and most complex issue facing Jammu and Kashmir, visible across plains, hilly, and remote areas alike. He reiterated that no country has solved unemployment solely through government jobs. “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, stressing 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, emphasizing that the government aims to empower youth to transition from job seekers to job providers. The Chief Minister highlighted that the scheme’s success lies in its mission-mode implementation. “Within a year, 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. A new life and seriousness come into it,” he said. He expressed gratitude to J&K Bank for its crucial role in implementing the scheme, acknowledging the challenges entrepreneurs face 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, adding that even large industrialists face uncertainties. The Chief Minister emphasized 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, encouraging beneficiaries to grow their businesses and generate employment. 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, stating, “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.” 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, reaffirming that the Omar Abdullah-led government will deliver on its promise of employment. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo assured full government support to youth wherever required, while Managing Director & CEO, J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee noted that rarely has a government-backed initiative achieved such success in any State or Union Territory. Ministers Sakeena 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. Outstation officers and beneficiaries attended the programme through video conferencing.