Poonch, June 26: Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare and socio-economic development of border communities, the Indian Army has undertaken a series of impactful community development initiatives across the Poonch district, focusing on women empowerment, youth development, skill enhancement, and sustainable livelihood generation. These initiatives are aimed at improving the quality of life in remote border villages by creating opportunities for self-employment, promoting vocational education, and empowering local residents with practical skills to achieve financial independence.

One of the flagship initiatives currently underway is a four-week Vocational Training Programme being conducted at the Kaushal Vikas Kendra, Degwar, from June 2 to June 30, 2026. Organised by the Poonch Brigade, the programme is specifically designed for women from the villages of Degwar Terwan and Bagial Dara. The training includes professional courses in Beautician and Tailoring, enabling participants to acquire market-oriented vocational skills that can help them establish their own businesses or secure employment opportunities.
The programme has benefited 40 women, including young girls, homemakers, and aspiring entrepreneurs, who are receiving hands-on practical training under experienced instructors. Besides enhancing their technical skills, the initiative is also boosting their confidence and encouraging them to become financially self-reliant. Recognising the positive response from the local population, the Indian Army is planning to further strengthen the Kaushal Vikas Kendra by collaborating with reputed Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). This collaboration is expected to introduce additional vocational courses, improve infrastructure, and expand the scope of training so that a larger number of beneficiaries from remote villages can be covered in the future.
Continuing its efforts towards youth empowerment, the Indian Army has also established the Silver Suvidha Kendra at Mandi, Poonch, which serves as an integrated platform for vocational training, career counselling, skill development, and various community welfare activities. The centre has rapidly emerged as a hub for constructive engagement of local youth and women by providing them with guidance on career planning, personality development, competitive examinations, and recruitment processes for various government services.
More than 50 young aspirants have already been mentored and trained at the Silver Suvidha Kendra, particularly those preparing for recruitment into the Indian Armed Forces, paramilitary forces, and other government departments. Through regular counselling sessions, physical training, motivational lectures, and career guidance, the centre is helping local youth build confidence, improve employability, and pursue meaningful career opportunities. The initiative is playing a significant role in steering young minds towards productive avenues while contributing to the overall socio-economic progress of the region.
In another remarkable step towards promoting sustainable livelihoods, the Indian Army has established the Feather Soft Wool Knitting and Training Centre at VTC Seklu, Poonch. The centre has been specially designed to empower women residing in remote border villages by equipping them with modern knitting and garment manufacturing skills. The facility is furnished with advanced computerised flatbed knitting machines, semi-automatic knitting machines, as well as stitching and linking machines, enabling participants to produce high-quality woollen products.
So far, 14 local women artisans have successfully completed training at the centre and are now independently manufacturing a wide range of woollen products, including sweaters, mufflers, balaclavas, stoles, shawls, baby wool garments, and other knitted items. These products not only provide a sustainable source of income but also promote local entrepreneurship and preserve traditional craftsmanship by integrating it with modern technology. The initiative has significantly enhanced the financial independence and self-confidence of the participating women, enabling them to support their families and contribute meaningfully to the local economy.
These community-oriented initiatives reflect the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to nation-building beyond its primary responsibility of safeguarding the country's borders. By investing in education, skill development, women's empowerment, and youth welfare, the Poonch Brigade continues to strengthen the bond between the Army and the people living in border areas.
Through sustained efforts in vocational training, career guidance, livelihood promotion, and community welfare, the Indian Army is fostering inclusive socio-economic development, creating employment opportunities, and empowering women and youth to become active contributors to the progress and prosperity of the region. These initiatives stand as a testament to the Army's enduring dedication to improving the lives of border communities while building a stronger, self-reliant, and resilient society.