Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Ranjan Prakash Thakur, today chaired Monitoring Committee meeting under J&K Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP).Vice Chairperson, Jammu and Kashmir Khadi Village Industries Board (JK KVIB), Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat and concerned senior officers were also present on the occasion.The meeting had a detailed review of performance of implementation of JKREGP scheme envisaging self-employment opportunities to unemployed educated youth of J&K. It was informed that a margin money to the tune of Rs. 22.14 crore has been released for establishment of 866 units under different sectors like manufacturing, service and agriculture besides allied schemes during the year 2020-21.Principal Secretary was apprised that there is a huge success with regard to implementation of the scheme and first generation entrepreneurs have been benefitted with the scheme. A financial dispensation of Rs. 60.00 crore has been advanced by the banks against the Margin Money component of Rs. 22.14 crore which has created employment opportunities for 5196 persons, he was informed further.Principal Secretary was also apprised that for the current financial year an outlay of Rs. 25.00 crore has been earmarked for establishment of 1231 units in the rural areas of J&K to benefit unemployed youth particularly educated ones falling in the age group of 18-40 years. Besides, entrepreneurship development programmes for 933 aspirant entrepreneurs were organized by J&K KVIB to enhance the entrepreneur and financial skills of the entrepreneurs financed by the banks.Principal Secretary appreciated the performance of J&K KVIB in ensuring timely utilization of Margin Money funds by the Board. He stressed upon the officers to work in a mission mode in order to take benefit of JKREGP to all sections of the society.Among others the meeting was attended by Director Industries & Commerce, Jammu and Kashmir, Director Planning Industries & Commerce, officers from various banks including J&K Bank, J&K State Cooperative Bank and J&K Grameen Bank besides officers of the Board.