Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu concluded the First 3-Day Capacity Building Program under the Project YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan) aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and creating employment opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. This program, held from 27th to 29th September 2024, for the Government officials of J & K was a critical part of the government’s initiative to empower youth, women, and vulnerable groups by promoting a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem across the region. The valedictory ceremony held on 29th Sept 2024 at Prahalad Classroom marked the end of a successful and impactful three days of learning, knowledge-sharing, and skill-building for government officials and stakeholders. 

Shri Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, Secretary to Govt., Labour & Employment Department, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized the government's commitment to building a self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem through Project YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan). He highlighted that the initiative is focused on long-term growth and should operate independently of government subsidies, calling for a mindset shift towards innovation and self-reliance. Shri Ranjan encouraged participants to embrace creativity and focus on building sustainable businesses capable of thriving on their own. While the government is committed to providing necessary support, he pointed out that Project YUVA's success hinges on effective grassroots implementation. He urged participants—key stakeholders in the process—to actively contribute to developing operational guidelines that are crucial for smooth and efficient execution across Jammu and Kashmir. He encouraged collaboration to create a practical framework that benefits entrepreneurs from small startups to larger enterprises, emphasizing that it should include clear processes, defined roles, and accountability mechanisms to ensure successful outcomes. Reiterating that Project YUVA is focused on fostering a sustainable and forward-thinking entrepreneurial culture, he stressed the importance of businesses flourishing without dependence on government aid. He concluded by urging all participants to embrace this vision and collaborate to ensure the initiative's successful implementation, positioning Jammu and Kashmir as a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized the unprecedented convergence of government, academia, and funding agencies over the past decade to foster entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that this collaboration—uniting colleges, universities, government officials, and financial institutions—is a first for the Union Territory and can serve as a model for the entire country. Prof. Sahay highlighted the example of Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) and credited Dr. Milind P. Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu, for conceptualizing this unique initiative, which has led to the establishment of 22 SBDUs across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. He also recognized the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship (MGNF) initiative, which provides young professionals an opportunity to contribute to skill development and economic growth. Commending the J&K government, he lauded Shri Atal Dulloo, IAS, Chief Secretary, and Shri Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, Secretary, Labour & Employment Department, Govt of J & K for spearheading transformative initiatives like YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan). He stressed the need for efficient documentation and real-time Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) via a portal to streamline processes and ensure smooth execution. He reiterated the importance of nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset in Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that cross-sector collaboration is crucial for making the region a national role model. He urged the formation of a committee to establish timelines and develop an action plan to ensure the success of these initiatives, encouraging participants to apply their learnings to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, summarized the program and outlined the way forward, highlighting the key takeaways. He stressed that while progress has been made, the work is far from complete. Prof. Ali praised the participants' efforts and emphasized the need to formalize activities with clear SOPs. He proposed a joint presentation by all groups to create a common platform and urged everyone to sustain the collaborative momentum moving forward.

The participants also shared their experiences and learning outcomes from the training, discussing the challenges and opportunities in facilitating entrepreneurship in the region. The program covered key topics including the 4Cs—Culture, Capital, Capacity, and Connectivity—which form the foundation of the YUVA initiative.

The 3-Day Capacity Building Program has equipped the officials with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively support entrepreneurial initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Present on the occasion were Dr. Muqbil Burhan, Chairperson, Centre for Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Skill Development, IIM Jammu Srinagar Campus, and Dr. Mahesh Gadekar, Chairperson, Small Business Development Units, IIM Jammu. The ceremony culminated with the national anthem. The YUVA initiative jointly developed by Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir and IIM Jammu is poised to create a lasting impact by developing a robust business ecosystem in the region, fostering entrepreneurship, and unlocking the economic potential of Jammu and Kashmir.