Chief Secretary Atul Dulloo on Wednesday described Mission Yuva as a transformative movement designed to shift mindsets and economically empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. He was addressing a one-day session with members of the Small Business Development Unit (SBDU) and Business Help Desk (BHD) under the initiative in Srinagar.
Emphasizing a broader vision, Dulloo said the mission aims to move youth away from the traditional pursuit of government jobs and towards entrepreneurship and self-employment. “This is not just a policy initiative; it is a people’s movement for empowerment, social upliftment, and economic self-reliance,” he said.
He highlighted the untapped employment potential in various sectors including industries, agriculture, allied activities, and MSMEs, and called for the creation of a strong economic ecosystem to support youth-led enterprises.
Urging officials to carry out door-to-door awareness campaigns, the Chief Secretary stressed the importance of proactive handholding for aspiring entrepreneurs. He also called upon government agencies, private institutions, and banks to collaborate closely to make Jammu and Kashmir a model for successful youth entrepreneurship.
Dulloo instructed banks to ensure hassle-free loan disbursement, urging them to treat every loan applicant as a business opportunity and provide continued support until ventures become viable. “Let J&K become a model for youth-led enterprise,” he added.
He cited the success of self-employment initiatives such as the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), where nearly two lakh Lakhpati Didis have become symbols of rural economic empowerment.
J&K Bank MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee, also present at the session, called Mission Yuva a significant opportunity for banks to both expand their loan portfolios and contribute meaningfully to regional development. He reiterated the bank’s commitment to shaping the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and supporting the youth.
Administrative Secretary, Labour & Employment Department, Kr. Rajeev Ranjan provided an overview of Mission Yuva’s progress in awareness generation, documentation, and loan disbursement.
The session was attended by key officials including Shahzad Alam, Director Employment and Mission Director, Mission Yuva; Aushtosh, GM Corporate Banking (Agriculture & MSME); Rakesh Magotra, DGM J&K Bank; and representatives from NABARD, JKEDI, SIDBI, SBDU and BHD.