J&K sends list of over 100 budding entrepreneurs to Centre for youth empowerment programmes

Beginning two months ago, administration and police officials were asked to compile a list of youth interested in entrepreneurship.

New J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who arrived in Srinagar Thursday, is expected to take the lead in the young entrepreneurs empowerment programme | Photo: ANI

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has sent the central government a list of more than 100 entrepreneurs who are expected to be part of various flagship partnerships between the government of the union territory and the public, particularly the youth.

Senior government officials said that the newly-appointed Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, is expected to work closely with the 100-150 entrepreneurs after taking charge of the post. Former J&K L-G Girish Chandra Murmu, in a late Wednesday night decision, resigned from his post and was replaced by Sinha, a senior BJP leader and former Union Minister of Communications.

According to officials, the idea was generated in New Delhi, and is most likely to be carried out by Sinha, who will appoint officers in the J&K government to work with the entrepreneurs on priority basis.

“The basis of the idea is youth empowerment, something which J&K needs,” said a government source.

How the shortlist was made

Government sources said the exercise to compile the list of entrepreneurs began nearly two months ago. Multiple officials of the administration and the police were asked to shortlist young men and women from across J&K who are either entrepreneurs or aspire to be.

Then, a thorough background check was conducted by various security agencies, before the final list was forwarded to relevant authorities in the central government.

“The entrepreneurs are expected to work with the government as part of the Youth Entrepreneurship Programmes supposed to be launched very soon. This will be a massive exercise involving multiple departments of the J&K government,” said a source in the administration.

A second source said the central government had directed the administration to find young individuals with a “clean track record” and minimal associations with political groups.

“The idea was to find a group of people who have not been involved in any corrupt practices, misdemeanours or activities against the interest of the country. Essentially, they should be people whose priority is working for their own growth and that of their community,” said another official privy to the developments.

According to sources, the shortlisted individuals will be divided into various sectors, and will then be provided funds and logistical support required for their businesses.

“Information technology is on top of the list. Then, there are other sectors like solid waste management. Youth who have taken initiatives in the field will also be given support to operate. Other industries such as tourism, eateries, embroidery and garments will also be top priority for the government,” said a third source said.