J&K needs to create a thriving startup ecosystem with a special focus on grassroots entrepreneurs: Director, JKEDI

JAMMU, JANUARY 25: Director, Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (IAS) on Wednesday chaired a review meeting at the Institute’s Bari Brahmana campus.

The Director also informed the officials that the Government is revising the Guidelines of J&K Startup Policy in order to make it more startup-friendly. This will boost the startup ecosystem of the UT and will help the innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs in J&K. “We need a robust startup ecosystem in the UT. We have to nurture the innovation and passion of our youth in a positive direction,” said Ajaz Ahmad Bhat.

The Institute is in the process of starting short-term courses in entrepreneurship for school and college students. “The aim behind starting such courses is to enable young minds to develop an entrepreneurial mindset at an early stage and equip them to counter the challenges of building a new venture. Such efforts will pay dividends in the long run and will prove a booster for the economy of the UT,” added Ajaz Ahmad Bhat. 

In addition to discussing the Institute’s functioning, the status of recovery and repayment under various schemes implemented by the Institute across the UT of J&K was extensively discussed. During the meeting, the Director exhorted upon all the In Charges and District Nodal Officers to double their efforts and make the process of recovery result oriented. He directed the officials to intensify the awareness campaign regarding various schemes of the Government available to the unemployed youth. 

He urged them to reach out to the beneficiaries who have availed soft loans from JKEDI under different schemes and update their contact details. The officers of JKEDI must stay connected with the beneficiaries and ensure proper monitoring. This will enable the Institute to understand the problems faced by them and will help in addressing the issue on time, which will in turn result in less default rate, he added.

The meeting was attended by Senior Faculty members and all District Nodal Officers of JKEDI.