Jammu, Mar 30 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed hope that ‘Mission YUVA’ would emerge as a model for self-employment schemes across the country.

He said Jammu and Kashmir aims to set a national benchmark in entrepreneurship-led development and called for dovetailing Mission YUVA with other initiatives like Lakhpati Didi.

The CM made these remarks while addressing the Yuva Mahotsav-Mission YUVA programme held at the Convention Centre here, where he interacted with entrepreneurs and beneficiaries of the scheme.

“In the future, not only should I believe this, but we have taken it as a mission that in the whole country, in all the states, if any self-employment or entrepreneurship scheme is used as an example, it should be the J&K Mission Yuva Scheme.

“And from my side, and from the side of my colleagues, we will continue to help you as much as we can,” Abdullah said.

The CM urged beneficiaries to stay connected with the scheme and continue to bring forward new ideas and expansion plans.

Highlighting the importance of the initiative, he said unemployment remains the biggest and most complex issue facing J&K.

“We all know that there is a very big and complicated issue of unemployment in J&K. You can see this issue everywhere—whether in the plains, hilly or remote areas,” he said, reiterating that no country has solved unemployment solely through government jobs.

“I am not saying that we will not provide government jobs, it is our duty. But we also know that we cannot provide government jobs to everyone. If we cannot provide them, then what? Should the government raise its hands? We cannot do this,” he said.

Calling it a failure to do nothing beyond government hiring, the CM stressed the need to create opportunities for self-employment.

“It is our duty to create a situation where people can create their own units. Instead of asking for jobs, you should be the ones who provide the jobs,” he said.

He said the government aims to empower youth so that they transition from job seekers to job providers.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to J&K Bank for its crucial role in implementing the scheme.

He acknowledged that entrepreneurship is challenging and not everyone may succeed. “Opening and running a business is not easy. Not everyone can become an entrepreneur. But those who can should not face obstacles due to funding or DPR issues.” The CM cited examples of young entrepreneurs, including a PhD from Srinagar who started a mobile car spa service. “He had the idea and education, but without funding, such ideas remain on paper.” Abdullah also referred to the challenges of launching platforms like OTT services, noting their complexity and importance in promoting J&K’s culture globally.

The chief minister said identifying weaknesses and addressing them is key to strengthening the mission.

“If we connect grassroots entrepreneurs with Mission YUVA, provide easy funding, help in DPR preparation and marketing, then one day, inshallah, Lakhpati Didis will become Crorepati Didis,” he said.

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the programme, Abdullah noted participation across party lines.

“You can see BJP, Congress, Independents, National Conference—all are here. This shows there is no politics in this effort. We are here to reduce unemployment and support your entrepreneurial spirit,” he said.

On the occasion, Abdullah carried out a single-day Mega Disbursal covering 3,003 cases amounting to over Rs 100 crore, marking a major milestone alongside achieving Rs 1,000 crore cumulative credit by J&K Bank under Mission YUVA.

He also launched a Credit Guarantee Fund for agri-allied activities and digitally inaugurated 20 Small Business Development Units (SBDUs).

Abdullah interacted with entrepreneurs, appreciated their business ideas and distributed cheques among beneficiaries of Neo Innovative Enterprises (Seed Money) as well as those covered under the 3,003 disbursal cases. PTI TAS NB