Bari Brahmana, Jan 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said that unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir can be effectively addressed by building a vibrant start-up culture and a strong entrepreneurship ecosystem across the Union Territory.

The Chief Minister made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the Annual Start-up Mela organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) at Bari Brahmana.
Addressing a large gathering of start-up entrepreneurs and industrialists, Omar Abdullah described unemployment as one of the most pressing challenges facing J&K and stressed that government jobs alone cannot solve the problem. He said that a vibrant private sector, hand-holding of existing industrial units and encouragement to start-up entrepreneurs are essential to generate sustainable employment.
Highlighting the changing entrepreneurial mindset among the youth, the Chief Minister noted that young people in J&K are increasingly exploring innovation-driven enterprises in sectors such as agriculture, technology, handicrafts, tourism, renewable energy and services. “No idea is a bad idea,” he said, citing examples of global platforms like Zomato, Uber and Swiggy that grew from simple ideas into major enterprises.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to nurturing entrepreneurship, Omar Abdullah said institutions like JKEDI, universities and educational institutions have a crucial role in identifying and mentoring start-ups. He assured that the government will further empower JKEDI under the J&K Start-up Policy, including enhancement of its Seed Capital Fund, to provide comprehensive hand-holding support to budding entrepreneurs.
He also urged JKEDI to document success stories of start-up founders and organise Start-up Melas in all districts to inspire the youth. The Chief Minister said the government is focused on creating a supportive ecosystem through policy reforms, access to finance, mentorship, incubation facilities and market linkages.
Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, in his address, said that the foundation of self-employment in J&K was laid during the time of Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and that the growing start-up ecosystem offers hope for future generations. He lauded JKEDI for promoting entrepreneurship and said the government will continue to strengthen the institution.
MLA Vijaypur Chander Prakash Ganga and Commissioner Secretary Industries and Commerce Vikramjit Singh also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the progress made under the J&K Start-up Policy.
During the event, the Chief Minister released a JKEDI booklet titled “Startup Policy Implementation and Outcomes.” He also distributed capital grants of ₹50 lakh each to incubation centres of several universities and higher educational institutions, with the first instalment of ₹15 lakh released on the spot.
Additionally, Omar Abdullah felicitated J&K Annual Start-up Awardees in various categories and distributed Seed Fund cheques worth ₹3.60 crore among 18 start-ups supported by JKEDI.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited exhibition stalls set up by start-ups, interacted with young entrepreneurs and encouraged them to think big while leveraging local strengths and resources.
Deputy Commissioner Samba Ayushi Sudan, Director JKEDI Khalid Jehangir, President Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries Arun Gupta, senior government officials, industrialists, start-up founders, entrepreneurs and students were present on the occasion.