JAMMU, Jan 26: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Sunday that the government is rolling out ‘Mission YUVA’ with the goal of making Jammu and Kashmir a center for entrepreneurial excellence and job creation. This initiative aims to establish over 137,000 new enterprises and generate approximately 425,000 jobs within the next five years, as stated during an official Republic Day event.
The mission is specifically designed to tackle unemployment in the region, focusing on empowering youth and women by fostering a robust ecosystem for enterprise development. “Our comprehensive strategy leverages the region’s socio-economic potential and cultural heritage, guiding us toward an inclusive prosperity,” Sinha remarked.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the program will support nano-entrepreneurs, particularly first-time business owners, women, and youth from remote areas. It will also work to establish new MSMEs in emerging sectors, facilitate the growth of existing businesses, and encourage startups and knowledge-driven ventures.
Furthermore, the administration has implemented measures for accelerated recruitment in government positions, he added. “In the past four to five years, 40,000 appointments have been made based on merit and transparency. The process has also been expedited for compassionate appointments,” Sinha noted, mentioning that 10,616 positions have been referred to the Public Service Commission and Services Selection Board, with notifications issued for 7,376 of those roles. Exams for 6,090 positions have already been completed.
He also highlighted that 1,116 cases under SRO-43 have been approved this year, with an additional 150 pending review. A total of 4,500 children have received free training at 92 Khelo India Centres and are now excelling on national platforms. “About 15,000 athletes have represented Jammu and Kashmir in national and zonal competitions across various sports. We are prioritizing women’s participation, with our female athletes achieving medals and recognition at both national and international events,” he said.
One of the state’s notable achievements is the resurgence of international cricket, exemplified by the Legends League, hosted in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time since 1988, attracting global interest and large audiences. “We have established a water sports academy at Nehru Park in Srinagar and a fencing academy at MA Stadium in Jammu. The prestigious Khel Gaon in Nagrota, a multi-sports hub featuring world-class facilities, is nearing completion,” Sinha added.
The Lieutenant Governor assured that high-performance training centers will be created in each district in phases to improve athlete training and performance. “We will establish a gymnastics academy at GINDUN Stadium in Srinagar to provide specialized training for aspiring gymnasts. Following the successful hosting of four editions of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, we are excited to host the fifth edition in February,” said Sinha.
Additionally, urban youth are being empowered through various self-employment programs, such as the National Urban Livelihood Mission, National Rural Livelihood Mission, and the creation of self-help groups, in addition to skills training initiatives under the Himayat scheme. The government intends to transform 40,000 women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’ to support the economic empowerment of rural female residents, Sinha announced.
He further stated that Jammu and Kashmir has set a precedent by establishing 20 hubs focused on women’s empowerment, serving as essential centers for comprehensive information regarding various women-centric schemes. Due to changes in the reservation policy and the notification of suitable posts for various disabilities, over 550 persons with disabilities have secured government jobs, Sinha concluded.
