By M S Nazki
In a significant stride towards youth empowerment and sustainable livelihood generation, the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) Poonch, under the dynamic chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal (IAS), convened a pivotal meeting to deliberate upon and approve self-employment proposals under the esteemed Mission YUVA initiative.
Mission YUVA — a flagship programme envisioned to transform the aspirations of unemployed youth into viable enterprises — continues to gain momentum in Poonch district under the able stewardship of Vikas Kundal, who has emerged as a beacon of hope for the young populace of this border region. His relentless commitment and tireless working style have carved him a special place in the hearts of Poonch’s youth and civil society alike.
The crucial session witnessed the participation of key officers and stakeholders dedicated to fostering an ecosystem of entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Among the dignitaries present were Additional District Development Commissioner Pankaj Mangotra, who also serves as the Nodal Officer for Mission YUVA; Khalid Wafa, General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC); Abdul Majid Tantray, Deputy Director, District Employment and Counselling Centre; Chief Agriculture Officer; District Sheep Husbandry Officer; District Horticulture Officer; Assistant Director, Handicrafts/Handloom; Lead District Manager (LDM); and the Nodal Officers representing the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM).
The deliberations commenced with a comprehensive review of the district’s progress under Mission YUVA, with a particular focus on the NANO Enterprises component — an integral facet aimed at nurturing grassroots entrepreneurship through financial aid and institutional backing. The Deputy Commissioner underlined that empowering the youth to become job creators rather than job seekers remains a cornerstone of the district administration’s vision for holistic socio-economic development.
A total of 40 self-employment cases were meticulously presented before the committee. Each proposal was scrutinised threadbare, weighing its feasibility, sustainability, potential for growth, and scope to generate further employment within the community. After exhaustive discussions and expert evaluation, the committee gave its nod to all 40 proposals, setting the stage for new ventures across diverse sectors.
Applauding the concerted efforts of all line departments, Kundal stressed the imperative of seamless inter-departmental coordination, timely disbursal of benefits, and rigorous monitoring to ensure that the promise of Mission YUVA translates into tangible results on the ground.
He further reiterated the administration’s unwavering resolve to continue nurturing youth-led entrepreneurial initiatives and to dismantle any hurdles hampering the swift execution of government schemes. The meeting concluded on a note of optimism and collective responsibility, as stakeholders pledged to uphold the principles of transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity, thereby sustaining the district’s momentum on the path to youth empowerment and economic self-sufficiency.
The proceedings ended with a formal vote of thanks, acknowledging the proactive participation and invaluable inputs of all attendees whose dedication is instrumental in scripting Poonch’s success story under Mission YUVA.
