The district of Doda is vigorously pursuing its commitment to bolster employment opportunities through various self-employment initiatives. The rallying call, 'Berozgar se Swarozgar' (from Unemployment to Self-Employment), encapsulates the unwavering determination of the UT administration to empower the youth and offer dignified livelihoods to the unemployed.
In line with this vision, a crucial meeting was convened by the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Doda, Pran Singh, which witnessed the participation of different stakeholder departments. The objective of the meeting was to have a comprehensive review of the efficacy of self-employment schemes and their impact.
During the meeting, the ADDC underscored the importance of ensuring the seamless disbursement of funds for all cases sanctioned under different self-employment initiatives. He directed concerned officers to achieve 100% disbursement rate across the spectrum of schemes, which encompass subsidised loans for aspiring unemployed youth seeking to embark on the entrepreneurial journey.
Key employment sector departments such as Handicrafts, Handloom, Agriculture, KVIB, DIC, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Floriculture, Umeed (NRLM), and Sheep Husbandry were asked to play their pivotal role in creating self-employment opportunities.
The review revealed that a total of 1442 cases were sponsored, out of which 864 eligible beneficiaries have received sanctions, and 389 cases have been successfully disbursed, translating into a cumulative employment generation of 772 youth, an encouraging sign of progress.
It was further revealed that 1042 cases were sanctioned under the PMEGP (Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme) out of the total 1261 sponsored cases, while 499 cases were disbursed in the current financial year.
Emphasizing the need for full tapping of employment potential sectors, the ADDC Doda urged the inclusion of the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) to augment empowerment initiatives. He also called upon banking authorities to maintain close coordination with the stakeholder departments to ensure the timely disbursement of funds for self-employment schemes.
The meeting was attended by General Manager DIC, Idrees Lone (Nodal Officer), , Chief Agriculture Officer, LDM, Zonal Manager JK Bank, representatives from KVIB, Handloom, Handicrafts, DUDA, and other stakeholders.
The collective dedication showcased in the meeting signifies the district's resolute commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, igniting employment opportunities, and ultimately ushering in a future of self-reliant youth contributing positively to their communities and society at large.