Article 370 Abrogation Sparks Economic Revival & Self-Employment Surge in J&K

J&K’s Post-Article 370 Transformation: Nurturing Growth & Empowerment through Comprehensive Governance Reforms & Innovative Self-Employment Schemes under LG’s vision

By Ajaz Rashid

Srinagar, Aug 03: Following the momentous abrogation of Article 370, a transformative wave surged through Jammu and Kashmir, reshaping its governance and employment contours. Nityanand Rai, the Minister of State for Home Affairs, articulated in a written response to the Rajya Sabha that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir initiated a profound sequence of comprehensive governance reforms. Article 370 Abrogation Sparks Economic Revival & Self-Employment Surge in J&K

Nityanand Rai highlighted in his written response said that the government successfully filled an impressive 29,295 vacancies, injecting new life into the administrative machinery.

“In the wake of Article 370’s abrogation, a monumental recruitment drive was launched by the authorities. This drive aimed to address the longstanding issue of vacancies within the government sector, which had hindered progress and development in the region” he informed.

Union Minister, Nityanand Rai reveals 29,295 vacancies filled through extensive recruitment drive after Article 370 abrogation in Jammu and Kashmir in Rajya Sabha

In the pursuit of executing this formidable recruitment endeavor, the Minister informed that various recruiting agencies were engaged who meticulously advertised a staggering 7924 vacancies across different departments. As emphasized by Nityanand Rai in his written reply, examinations for 2504 vacancies were promptly conducted, ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process.

Recognizing the significance of promptly identifying vacancies and efficiently filling them, the minister said that this surge in recruitment was not a one-time affair; rather, it marked the initiation of an ongoing Accelerated Recruitment Drive.

“The government recognized that identifying vacancies and swiftly filling them was integral to maintaining the momentum of growth and development. This drive symbolized the state’s resolute march towards progress and prosperity”, the minister pointed out in his response.

Furthermore, the authorities recognized that employment creation went beyond just government jobs. They understood the importance of fostering self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship among the youth, he informed.

In pursuit of this goal, a slew of self-employment schemes were launched, each designed to empower individuals to establish their own income-generating enterprises. Nityanand Rai said.

“Schemes like Mission Youth, Rural Livelihood Mission, Himayat, PMEGP, Avsar, and Tejaswani became the cornerstones of this transformative journey”, he informed.

Highlighting the impactful outcome of these initiatives, the minister noted a discernible positive shift in the region. Addressing the perennial concern of unemployment, Nityanand Rai emphasized that while specific data for educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir during April-June 2021 was unavailable, a survey spanning July 2020 to June 2021 showcased a promising downturn in the unemployment rate.

“Notably, among individuals aged 15-29 years, the rate stood at 18.3 percent, marking a significant stride towards a more promising and prosperous future”, he said.

Moreover, as per the Minister’s response, let’s delve deeper into the self-employment schemes that played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic landscape:

“With a vision to harness the potential of the youth, Mission Youth aimed to equip them with essential skills, entrepreneurial training, and financial support. By enhancing employability and encouraging self-reliance, Mission Youth empowered young individuals to become proactive contributors to the local economy, minister informed.

Pic credit Indian Express : Prime Minister’s Excellence Award Honors J&K’s ‘Mission Youth’ for Empowering the Next Generation

With a strong emphasis on rural development and a mission to uplift marginalized communities, Shri Nityanand Rai emphasized the pivotal role of the Rural Livelihood Mission. This initiative was purposefully tailored to cater to rural areas, with a steadfast goal of promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through a comprehensive approach involving training, capacity-building, and crucial financial aid, the Rural Livelihood Mission was strategically designed to alleviate poverty and lay the foundation for a self-sufficient rural economy

Targeting unemployed youth on providing skill training and employment opportunities, the minister stated that Himayat focused on imparting market-relevant skills and offering financial aid, Himayat enabled youth to secure gainful employment or venture into entrepreneurship, thereby fostering self-sufficiency.

Likewise PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme) incentivized the establishment of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector. Entrepreneurs received financial aid to set up new businesses or expand existing ones, contributing to economic growth and job creation.

With the goal of catalyzing a dynamic wave of women entrepreneurs, Nityanand Rai underscored the transformative aim of the Avsar scheme. By providing essential training, invaluable mentorship, and crucial financial backing, Avsar aimed to empower women to spearhead their own ventures, thus igniting a powerful surge of women-led entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir.

Moreover, Tejaswani’s objective was to enhance women’s employability via skill development and self-employment options, ultimately leading to an improved socio-economic standing, the minister informed.

These self-employment schemes collectively addressed unemployment challenges and paved the way for a more prosperous Jammu and Kashmir. Nityanand Rai’s acknowledgment of these schemes underscored their importance in nurturing local entrepreneurship, fostering economic growth, and driving positive change in the region.