SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today called for infusing greater vibrancy into the Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) to generate sustainable employment opportunities and strengthen the Union Territory’s economic landscape. The Deputy Chief Minister made these remarks while chairing a comprehensive review meeting regarding functioning of KVIB at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

During the meeting, he reviewed the progress achieved under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and the Jammu and Kashmir Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP) besides assessing establishment of units under both schemes during the current financial year.

Emphasizing the need for wider outreach, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the Board to launch an extensive awareness campaign through all available mediums, including social media platforms, to ensure maximum participation of the aspiring entrepreneurs under these schemes. He stressed the importance of organizing awareness camps in schools, colleges and rural areas across Jammu and Kashmir so that people, especially youth and women, are fully informed about the benefits and opportunities available under various self-employment initiatives.

The Deputy Chief Minister instructed the officials to involve local public representatives in these awareness programmes and ensure their participation in outreach camps to strengthen the public engagement and awareness at the grassroots level.

Calling for institutional reforms, he urged the Board to revamp its functioning by implementing tangible and result-oriented measures aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and service delivery.

“Our objective is to create employment opportunities and economic resources for the people who are willing to work, become self-reliant and emerge as job providers rather than job seekers,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

He directed the officers and employees to maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability to ensure that the benefits of government schemes reach the deserving beneficiaries effectively and without delay.

The Deputy Chief Minister also emphasized the need for adopting best practices from successful implementation models in other regions to enhance the effectiveness and impact of KVIB programmes.

Special focus was laid on ensuring greater participation of women in entrepreneurship and self-employment initiatives, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to economic development and financial empowerment.

The meeting also reviewed the functioning and progress of Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI) Clusters, with directions issued for their further strengthening to support the traditional industries, artisans and rural enterprises.

Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce, Vikramjit Singh and other senior officers of Khadi and Village Industries Board and other concerned departments were present during the meeting.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇