Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA.

The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation, skill development, and growth opportunities for local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
After formally inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls set up by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with participants and appreciated their efforts in boosting local enterprise and generating livelihood opportunities across the district.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that while the government is committed to creating employment avenues, it is not feasible to provide government jobs to all. Therefore, fostering self-employment is essential, and initiatives like Mission YUVA have been designed to fulfil this objective. He stressed that banks must ensure smooth processing and disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured young entrepreneurs of full support from the government.
He added that Mission YUVA aims to empower youth to explore new ideas, establish sustainable businesses, contribute to regional economic progress, and evolve into job creators rather than job seekers.
The Chief Minister further noted that trade fairs play a vital role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their products, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.
During the event, the Chief Minister visited entrepreneur stalls, departmental exhibits, and business units. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under the Mission YUVA scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, said that youth are actively participating in entrepreneurship programmes. She informed the gathering that many beneficiaries have already been identified and numerous cases approved. She emphasised the need for timely processing of all pending cases and urged the youth to take full advantage of the available opportunities.
MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami encouraged young people to seize every opportunity to build progressive and prosperous careers.
The programme was attended by Minister Sakeena Itoo; DDC Chairperson Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Secretary Labour & Employment, Kumar Rajiv Ranjan; Secretary Information Department, Muneer Ul Islam; DDC Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Mission Director Mission YUVA, Shadab Aalam; senior officers; representatives of business organisations; entrepreneurs; and aspiring youth.
Capacity-building completion certificates were distributed, Mission YUVA sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries, and MoUs were exchanged between Mission YUVA and ONDC.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan presented the welcome address and highlighted the objectives behind organising the two-day fair. Mission Director Shahzad Aalam delivered the vote of thanks and showcased the achievements under Mission YUVA.