Srinagar, Jammu, J&K (Indian administered Kashmir) The Azadi Times Correspondent — In a notable initiative to empower aspiring entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir, the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) has successfully concluded the first batch of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Programs (ESDPs) across eight districts, including Udhampur, Anantnag, Bandipora, Budgam, Ramban, Shopian, Reasi, and Kulgam.
The four-week training, launched on May 5, 2025, was funded by the Union Ministry of MSME and implemented in the region by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of J&K. A total of 228 aspiring entrepreneurs, including 107 women, were trained — marking a meaningful step towards greater gender inclusion in the region’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that blended classroom sessions, field visits, expert interactions, and hands-on workshops. The program focused on enhancing managerial, financial, and strategic capabilities, aiming to equip young people with the skills needed to launch sustainable and competitive enterprises in their home districts.
The ESDP modules, developed by domain experts, covered key areas including business planning, marketing strategies, digital tools, financial literacy, legal compliance, innovation, and leadership. In addition to theoretical knowledge, trainees benefited from exposure visits to successful business ventures, case studies, and mentorship sessions that bridged the gap between concept and real-world implementation.
Valedictory sessions were held at three training venues, with active participation from JKEDI faculty, program officers, and district-level officials from the Department of Industries and the Labour and Employment Department. These departments provided sector-specific insights and further enriched the learning experience.
This initiative reflects a broader commitment to grassroots economic development in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in regions historically sidelined by conflict and underinvestment. By fostering entrepreneurship and upskilling local youth — especially women — the program is a step forward in building self-reliant, community-driven economic resilience in the region.