The disbursal of financial assistance worth Rs 209 crore to 3,367 beneficiaries under Mission YUVA within just two months marks a significant step towards promoting entrepreneurship and self-employment among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. The recent handing over of disbursal letters by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to six beneficiaries worth Rs 1.12 crore is symbolic of a broader effort to transform the economic landscape by empowering young people to become job creators rather than job seekers. For decades, unemployment has remained one of the most pressing concerns in the region. While government jobs continue to be limited, the aspirations of a growing youth population demand innovative and sustainable solutions. Mission YUVA appears to be addressing this challenge by facilitating access to financial resources, encouraging entrepreneurship, and supporting viable business ventures across sectors. The figures themselves are encouraging. Out of 5,016 sanctioned cases amounting to Rs 269 crore, the disbursal of Rs 209 crore in 3,367 cases during April and May reflects a commendable pace of implementation. It indicates that the scheme is moving beyond paperwork and translating approvals into actual financial support for aspiring entrepreneurs. However, the true measure of success will not lie merely in the amount disbursed but in the long-term sustainability of the enterprises being established. Financial assistance must be complemented by mentorship, skill development, market linkages, and continuous handholding to ensure that businesses survive and grow. Monitoring outcomes and addressing challenges faced by beneficiaries will be equally important. Mission YUVA offers an opportunity to unlock the immense potential of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth. If implemented with transparency, efficiency, and sustained institutional support, it can foster innovation, generate employment, strengthen local economies, and reduce dependence on traditional avenues of livelihood. The initiative deserves encouragement, but its ultimate success will depend on how effectively it converts financial assistance into lasting economic empowerment.
From stones to startups: The changing aspirations of Kashmir’s youth
Irfan Attari The international scenario of Kashmir youth has been dominated by conflict for much of the past three decades....
