DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Apr 21
Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar on Tuesday held a meeting with a delegation of the FICCI Ladies Organisation at the Civil Secretariat, focusing on strengthening women-led enterprises and enhancing economic participation across Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction reflected a growing emphasis on inclusive development and the recognition of women as vital contributors to the region’s economic progress.
During the meeting, the delegation raised several important issues concerning the promotion of women entrepreneurship, including the need for improved access to markets, better institutional support, and expanded opportunities for skill development. They emphasized that while women across the Union Territory are increasingly entering the entrepreneurial space, there remain structural challenges that need to be addressed to ensure sustained growth and success. These challenges include limited access to finance, gaps in training, and difficulties in scaling up small enterprises.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of creating a more supportive ecosystem that enables women entrepreneurs to compete effectively in both local and broader markets. Suggestions were put forward to strengthen institutional frameworks, facilitate easier credit access, and establish dedicated platforms that can help women showcase and market their products. The representatives stressed that empowering women economically not only benefits individual households but also contributes significantly to the overall development of society.
Responding to the concerns, Javid Ahmad Dar assured the delegation that the government is committed to addressing these issues in a time-bound manner. He stated that several initiatives are already being undertaken to create an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, with a focus on targeted interventions, improved financial access, and comprehensive capacity-building programmes.
According to the Minister, these efforts are designed to provide women with the necessary tools and resources to start, sustain, and expand their businesses.
Emphasizing the importance of inclusive growth, the Minister noted that women play a crucial role as drivers of economic development. He pointed out that their active participation is essential for achieving sustainable progress, particularly in rural areas where livelihood opportunities are often limited. By encouraging women to engage in entrepreneurial activities, the government aims to generate employment, enhance incomes, and promote self-reliance among communities.
Javid Ahmad Dar also highlighted ongoing efforts by the administration to boost entrepreneurship and create livelihood opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir. He noted that various schemes and programmes have been introduced to support small businesses and promote innovation, with a special focus on women and youth. These initiatives are intended to bridge existing gaps and ensure that aspiring entrepreneurs receive adequate guidance, training, and financial backing.
Referring to the broader vision of the government led by Omar Abdullah, the Minister reiterated the commitment to ensuring that women receive sustained support to grow their enterprises. He emphasized that policy measures are being aligned to address the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs and to create a more inclusive and equitable economic framework.
The meeting concluded with a shared understanding of the need for continued dialogue and collaboration between the government and industry bodies. Both sides expressed optimism that coordinated efforts would lead to meaningful improvements in the entrepreneurial landscape for women in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for greater economic empowerment and long-term development.
