Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani on Wednesday informed the Parliament that the government has provided significant support to rural women entrepreneurs through different centrally sponsored schemes in J&K and Ladakh to boost economic growth.
The Minister said, “Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have witnessed key initiatives such as the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) and Start-up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP). These schemes have provided an opportunity to women to launch small businesses, improving livelihoods in rural areas.”
“For 2024-25, J&K and Ladakh have received Rs 550 lakh in funds for these programs, targeting grassroots-level entrepreneurship,” he said.
“Also, the Sustainable Transport for Rural Entrepreneurs through Electric Bicycles (STREE) initiative is providing electric bikes to women entrepreneurs, reducing transportation costs while promoting sustainability. The Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is also benefiting from policies requiring 3% of government procurement to come from women-owned businesses, helping them secure market access,” he added.
“With a total allocation of ₹1,806.25 lakh for SVEP from 2015 to 2024, the initiative has resulted in the formation of thousands of women-led enterprises in districts like Kathua and Anantnag. These government efforts are paving the way for economic empowerment and sustainable growth for women in J&K and Ladakh,” he said—(KNO)
