Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial spirit as 35 young individuals begin their training under the flagship PMEGP scheme. Hosted at J&K Bank’s RSETI, this latest batch of the Entrepreneurship Development Programme promises to turn job seekers into business owners.
Launched amid the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, PMEGP facilitates micro-enterprise setups with generous financial support. Collaborating with KVIC, District Industries Centre (DIC), and KVIB, the program imparts hands-on knowledge in everything from crafting bankable project reports to devising marketing plans. Loans come with a substantial 35% subsidy, making startups viable even for beginners.
RSETI Director Sunil Sharma inspired the group, urging them to view this 10-day course as a launchpad for lifelong financial freedom. He noted a shift in mindset among Rajouri’s youth—from hunting jobs to creating them. The scheme’s track record is impressive: nationwide, it has sparked countless success stories by funding projects up to Rs 50 lakh in manufacturing.
Personal stories underscore the program’s appeal. Female trainee Aarti Sharma is honing skills for her subsidized loan venture. Mukhtar Ahmad sees it as a game-changer for his business ambitions. Veteran micro-entrepreneur Rakesh Raina, armed with Rs 10 lakh funding, aims to scale his printing business through learned management techniques.
In regions like Rajouri, where opportunities are scarce, PMEGP is fueling hope and economic vitality. It not only promotes self-reliance but also generates ripple effects through new jobs, fortifying community resilience and advancing India’s self-sustained development goals.