Category: BUSINESS

SRINAGAR, MAY 12: To celebrate the International year of Millets and get benefitted out of it, a fifteen-day training programme on development of millet-based products organised by Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission (JKRLM) concluded successfully here at Institute of Hotel management (IHM) Rajbagh today.
The training programme was organised by JKRLM in association with Grassroots Innovation Augmentation Network (GIAN). A total of 12 SHG members have undergone for the said training programme.
The training was imparted to the participant by renowned Chef Yaseen and his team of expert Master Chefs of Institute of Hotel Management Rajbhagh.
While interacting with the SHG members Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, Mandeep Kaur highlighted the importance of Millet as staple diet and said JKRLM is not only promoting cultivation of Millets but also skilling the SHG members on preparation of different recipes amongst the SHG members. Slowly but steadily, people will re-adopt the Millet in their diets.
She said that in addition to promote healthy eating, the training programme aimed to raise awareness about the environmental benefits of millets. Millets require much less water and fertilizer than other grains, making them a more sustainable option for farmers and the environment.
Speaking on the occasion Mission Director Jammu Kashmir Rural Livelihoods Mission, Indu Kanwal Chib said that as the year 2023, is being celebrated as International year of Millets as staple diet, we at JKRLM wish to involve more and more women into our farm livelihood vertical as Krishi Sakhies and Mahila Kissans.
During the training programme the members were imparted training on innovative recipes in Millet based products apart from learning about the nutritional benefits of Millets, she added.
She thanked Principal IHM, Shabir Ahmad for facilitating such a training programme & making this training programme a success.
It is to mention here that Millets are small-grained, nutrient-rich cereals that have been a staple food for millions of people around the world for centuries. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in millets as a sustainable and healthy alternative to rice and wheat, and many innovative millet-based products have been developed.

KDM-30 released for cultivation in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttara Khand, Assam, Meghalaya, Ladakh and Manipur

Srinagar, May 5 : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir-developed hybrid maize variety has been released recently at the national level for cultivation in the cold climatic Northern Hill Zone of the country.
Cold resistant early maturing high yield maize composite, KDM-30, suitable for cultivation in J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Ladakh and Manipur, was recently released in the 66th Annual Maize Workshop held at GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand.
“The variety (KDM-30) performs better than the best national check, Vijay with 13% more grain yield and moderate resistance to diseases and pests like Turcicum Leaf Blight and Maizw Stem Borer,” said Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar, associate director at the SKUAST-K’s Dryland Agriculture Research Station (DARS), Rangreth, Budgam.
Dar, who was leading the team of scientists involved in developing this cold-resistant maize variety, said KDM-30, besides being highly cold tolerant, gives more yield and better disease protection than Vijay, which is considered the best maize variety in the country.
The maize composite is derived from materials obtained from international and national nurseries, which were subsequently hybridized with the local material to incorporate uniqueness like cold tolerance, early maturity, and high grain quality.
The variety possesses a high level of carotenoids as well as the unique expression of cold-tolerance-regulated enzymes at the molecular level. The KDM-30 is going to replace Kishen Ganga-1 (KG-1) variety in high-altitude areas of the Northern Hill Zone (up to 2500m amsl) and can be a potential candidate to serve in cold arid Ladakh Region as a dual-purpose crop where it has been initially evaluated for grain-to-grain maturity in native cropping window.
While congratulating Dr Zahoor Ahmad Dar and his team for developing the high-yield maize variety, Vice Chancellor, SKUAST-K, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai, directed upscaling seed production and utilizing rain-fed ecologies for grain and fodder production to sustain the dairy and poultry industry.

SRINAGAR, MAY 06: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Saturday inaugurated two-day painting exhibition at Government Arts Emporium Srinagar.
On the inaugural day, visitors had the chance to view and appreciate the paintings created by Iftikhar Wani and Er. Shazia Basharat. The exhibition features a diverse range of artwork, showcasing the talent and creativity of the participating artists.
The opening reception was well-attended, with visitors enjoying the creative work and meeting the artists behind the artwork.
Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com said that the event is a celebration of our city’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, and we are delighted to see so many people come out to support our local artists.
The Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir has dedicated its services to bringing painting out of the studio into open-air settings to bridge gap between artists and the masses through the department’s ‘Know Your Artisan’ initiative post recognition of Srinagar as the UNESCO’s Creative City in the field of Craft and Folk Art.
The exhibition holds a special corner to portray various scenes of Shehr e Khaas (Srinagar City) by Iftikhar Wani.
The works in this exhibition represent the many unique ways artists can interpret a similar scene and be inspired by their relationship to the environment and we are thrilled with the success of our Exhibition event, said the Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir.
Exhibitions of the same magnitude shall be continued to highlight the artisans of the valley, said an official.
The exhibition showcasing various master pieces of the artists are on display which is open for the general public to highlight the works of the artists.
On the occasion, Director Handicrafts & Handloom thanked the Divisional Administration and all stakeholders who are supporting and promoting the local artisans at global level and also appreciated the role of media who have been prominent in promoting the arts and crafts of the valley.

Anantnag, May 5: The Jammu & Kashmir Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative has provided a battery operated e-Rikshaw to the South Campus, University of Kashmir.

Zonal Head, Anantnag Mr. Khursheed Muzaffar handed over the keys of 4+1 seater E-Rikshaw to Director, South Campus, Prof Mukhtar Ahmad Khanday at a small function held at South Campus, Anantnag.

The E-Rikshaw will cater to the needs of specially-abled students and female staff of the Campus.

The function was attended by faculty members, officers of the Campus, and a team of officials and officers from J&K Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Mukhtar Khanday expressed his gratitude to J&K Bank for acceding to the request of dedicating a battery operated E-Rikshaw to South Campus.

He further said that South Campus will try to further build a strong relationship with J&K Bank and promote entrepreneurship and help the campus in various economic initiatives.

He said that under the National Green Corps programme launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, the Campus is mulling collaborating with the JK Bank to make South Campus a Green and Carbon-Free Campus.

Dr Khanday requested the Bank authorities to support the campus students by providing bus service in future under the CSR scheme.

Zonal Head, Mr. Khursheed Muzaffar while speaking on the occasion said that J&K Bank is happy to provide financial services to University of Kashmir and its students to excel in the field of education. He said that J&K Bank will try to come up to the expectations of the employees and students of the varsity in terms of providing them educational loans and other facilities to carry out their academic and research activities. He agreed to the request of South Campus for an MoU to strengthen the relation with JK Bank.

Earlier, Dr Mohammad Iqbal Bhat, Associate Professor at the Department of Mathematics, presented a brief account of the South Campus and later delivered a formal vote of thanks.

SRINAGAR, APRIL 25: J&K Bank today received an award from Housing and Urban Development Corporation Ltd (HUDCO) for its outstanding contribution towards housing sector of the country under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) – Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) through various innovative initiatives.

The Bank’s General Manager (C&CB) Narjay Gupta received the award at the hands of Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Manoj Joshi in presence of Chairman & Managing Director (HUDCO) Kuldip Narayan, Bank’s Zonal Head (Delhi) Rakesh Magotra, HUDCO’s board of directors and other dignitaries during HUDCO’s 53rd Foundation Day Celebrations held today in New Delhi.

The function was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Petroleum & Natural Gas Hardeep S. Puri.

Commenting upon the felicitation, MD & CEO, Baldev Prakash said, “It is an honour for the entire J&K Bank Family to be felicitated at such a prestigious national platform for our contribution towards country’s housing sector under Prime Minister Awas Yojana (PMAY)-U that envisaged ease-of-living through a pucca house to all urban dwellers.”

“Such an acknowledgement will further boost our efforts as we continue to serve the weaker and vulnerable sections of society through more such effective financial interventions”, he added.

Earlier, in a communication to Bank, Chairman & MD (HUDCO) Kuldip Narayan expressed his deep appreciation for J&K Bank’s outstanding contribution towards housing sector under PMAY-CLSS through its different innovative initiatives.

SRINAGAR, APRIL 21: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today inaugurated a four month long Exhibition at Kashmir Haat Srinagar.

The Exhibition will bring a diverse range of activates including Magic Shows, amusement activates, handicraft and Handloom products and food courts and much more.

The Event has been purposely started on the eve of Eid so as to attract a maximum footfall especially the Gaming zones that have been set for children.

The bid for the current season has been won by the SHARMA BROTHERS for a record amount, and It is for the first time that revenue of such extent has been generated from the Haat area.

The Div Com emphasized that such type of activates should be replicated at other spots in the Srinagar city.

Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir Mahmood Ahmad Shah gave a detailed brief about the activates the Department is planning to organize in the coming months at the Kashmir Haat area.

BARAMULLA, APRIL 11: Dr. Hina Shafi Bhat, Vice Chairperson J&K Khadi & Village Industries Board presided over an awareness camp at the CFC of Pattan Embroidery Cluster Tilgam here.

The progarmme was organised by Diamond Khadi Gramudhyog Sangh, Implementing Agency of the said cluster and was also attended by Public representatives from the cluster area, large number of artisans and stakeholders. Besides, senior officers from Board, SDM Pattan, Tehsildar Pattan and Senior officers from Technical Agency (Craft Development Institute Srinagar) also attended the programme. 

While giving the presentation on the aims, objectives and expected impact of the establishment of the said cluster, the officers from Technical Agency informed that cluster is being established with assistance of Rs. 221.85 and its CFC shall be equipped with facilities like Tracing, Dyeing, Washing, Calendering, Fabrication and Raw Material Bank. 

 It was further informed that with the establishment of this cluster, the product mix shall be enhanced, product design shall be improved; besides upgradation in skills of artisans etc. thus making the products customer savvy and attractive thereby enhancing the earnings of artisans, raising the profit margin.  

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hina  underscored the need for coordinated and synchronised efforts from stakeholders to ensure target oriented and objective implementation of the said cluster.

She said that the establishment of Cluster will empower the artisans and other stake holders by way of providing them all the facilities under one roof which shall in turn boost the products and also improve the economic condition of the artisans.

The Vice Chairperson emphasized that there is an urgent need for adoption of cluster approach to revive the traditional crafts and activities.

We have robust numbers to back our commitment towards MSME growth in the country: MD & CEO Baldev Prakash

SRINAGAR, APRIL 11: Forging partnership with Chamber of Indian Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (CIMSME) to accelerate growth of manufacturing enterprises, J&K Bank today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the country’s apex chamber of MSMEs that represents their interests and issues with the Government and various Regulators while being active participant in MSME related policymaking.

General Manager (Corporate Banking/MSME/Agriculture) Ashutosh Sareen signed the MoU on behalf of the Bank, while as, President Mukesh Mohan Gupta put in his signatures representing CIMSME in presence of MD & CEO J&K Banl Baldev Prakash, Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, General Manager Narjay Gupta, Director (CIMSME) Subhash Joinwal, DGMs and other senior Bank officials. Bank’s Divisional Heads also joined the function through VC Mode.

While lauding the role of CIMSME in promotion of MSMEs, MD & CEO Baldev Prakash expressed pleasure over the signing of MoU. He said, “As a responsible financial institution we understand that MSME sector plays a critical role in fostering entrepreneurship and generates huge employment opportunities thereby contributing greatly to the country’s GDP. Moreover, MSME lending is profitable for banking industry and we need to translate this MoU into solid business growth especially in the rest of India because this is the sector which complements the large industries in the form of subsidiary units that are vital to the entire eco-system.”

“J&K Bank has always been on the forefront of creating employment opportunities and we have robust numbers to back our commitment towards encouraging the MSME growth in the country. There has been a growth of 440% in the number of Bank’s MSME accounts during the last six years while as the credit exposure to the sector has witnessed 232% increase from Rs 4768 Cr to Rs 15872 Cr.”, he added.

Asserting that MSME sector will bolster economy of the UT and the country alike, MD said, “We will ensure that bankable leads generated by the CIMSME are processed in a time bound manner.”

Speaking on the occasion, President (CIMSME) Mukesh Mohan Gupta said, “We feel honoured for J&K Bank’s acceptance of our request for the tie up. Having J&K Bank on board is great boost for us that will eventually help MSME sector a great deal.”

Citing the lack of awareness about various MSME schemes and processes to avail the facilities, he stressed upon the need to educate lenders particularly at operational levels and borrowers of this sector. He further added, “We will soon be coming up with a web portal for ease of both MSME lenders and borrowers.”

Executive Director, Sudhir Gupta said that signing of the MOU with the apex chamber is akin to forging a partnership that will go a long way in promoting the culture of enterprise across the country while adding to the Bank’s business profile.

Earlier, GM Ashutosh Sareen said that under the tie-up CIMSME will not only source the MSME/Start-up proposals across the country but will conduct due diligence of these proposals as per the Bank policy and RBI Guidelines. And once CIMSME is satisfied with the financials and track records of the company/firm, the leads will be shared with the Bank for further processing.

Notably, the Bank provided benefits of employment to around 92000 youth till March 2023, under the J&K Government’s flagship programmes ‘Back to Village 4.0’ and ‘My Town My Pride’ – a feat that has been hailed by the UT Government and people alike.

Releases Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT

JAMMU, MARCH 31: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today released the Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT, a document presenting the elaborate picture of the economy of J&K for the closing financial year prepared by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning Development & Monitoring Department.

On the occasion the Chief Secretary observed that the document is vital in gauging the progress made by the UT. He also called the document a true account of what we have achieved during the financial year.

He complimented the Department for coming up with this Survey at an opportune time. He said that the survey presents a fine picture of our economic trajectory which is encouraging for all of us. He remarked that the yearly economic growth of the UT is a notch higher than National average which shows that approach we have adopted during last few years is working well for the economy.

The Survey reports that J&K is expected to grow at 8 per cent as against 7 per cent at National level during 2022-23 at Constant Prices. At Current Prices, GSDP of J&K is expected to record a growth of 15% which is at par with National level. Economy of J&K grew faster than the national average in recent years.

It further stated the GSDP is likely to be doubled in the next five years with emphasis on service sector, industries, agriculture, horticulture and tourism. UT Revenue Performance (Tax plus Non-Tax) is expected to double during current year.

The Survey has also applauded the time bound policies, action plans and development strategies being implemented to carry forward and sustain the positive environment and momentum of economic development. It also talks about various reforms initiated for good governance and transparency which includes, IT enabled innovations in administration like Janbhagidari, E-stamping, PaySys, BEAMS, eHRMS, e-GRAS, e-office, GST which are more secure, cheaper, efficient, time saving and reliable compared to the previous systems.

Besides the document brings forth the unique reformative initiatives like District Good Governance Index, Aspirational Blocks Development Programme, Aspirational Panchayat Development Programme, and Aspirational Towns Programme rolled out first time in the country.

It also discusses the prime ranking of J&K it got in different parameters of registering growth and development. Be it the Ist rank among the UTs in its e-office uptake in almost 400 offices with disposal rate of 97 %, first rank among UT’s in Renewable Energy Development, Ist rank among the UTs in registration coverage under e-SHRAM, Ist rank among the UTs in issuance of SWAMITVA Cards, 2nd rank in Nasha Mukt Abhaan, 2nd rank in performance under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav, 3rd rank at all India level in terms of total road length constructed under PMGSY, 4th rank in incremental progress of SDG, or 5th rank in reducing regulatory compliances burden under ease of doing business at All India Level.

In terms of achievements it makes out that the road network is extended to all the habitations with population over 250 persons as per 2001 census, facilitating growth and development across the UT. World class National highways, expressways, tunnels, bridges, flyovers, ring roads are coming up. J&K’s Rail link is expected to be connected to All India during 2023. Airports are also being upgraded. The Urban development is also high on agenda, smart city projects are being implemented in the capital cities of the UT,the Survey presents.

Regarding power generation capacity it says the same is likely to be doubled in 4 years and tripled in next 8 years. The response of people to the outreach programmes like My Town My Pride (MTMP) and Back to Village Four (B2V4) was also highlighted  in this report.

In education sector the indicators have shown notable improvement as per the survey. Adoption of National Education Policy 2020 and the J&K Education Investment Policy 2020 has set in new challenging targets for J&K. Quality education with provision of skill and research has been introduced at higher education level. The youth of J&K are being motivated to attain higher levels of expertise in productive skills and sports sectors, as per the report.

As far as the Tourism sector is concerned, it says that J&K is developing 75 new tourist destinations, 75 heritage/cultural sites, 75 sufism/religious sites & 75 adventure treks/sites attracting potential for all the four seasons in the areas of nature, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, sports etc.  More areas of tourism like amusement, water parks, adventure (water sports, Rafting, Rock climbing, Snow parks) etc and entertainment are being explored to attract more tourists.

Empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions is proving game changer as per this Survey. The centrally sponsored flagship schemes like MGNREGA, PMAY, SBM(G) being implemented are rejuvenating the rural landscape of J&K. It further goes on to say that SBM(G) has brought J&K an open defecation free status by providing IHHLs to 1952 villages. Under PMAY(G) 30381 families (1.14 Lakhs cumulative) were provided financial assistance for construction of Pucca houses besides numerous water bodies were rejuvenated under AmritSarovars scheme.

With respect to empowerment of women, the beneficiary oriented schemes are helping women in realising better lives for them and their families. UT envisions achieving Sustainable Integrated Development focusing on Connectivity, Eco-friendly Modern Infrastructure to meet people’s expectations with Transparent Governance over next 25 years. Tourism, Agriculture, Horticulture and Power clubbed with Improved Infrastructure, Connectivity, Logistics, better Health and Education facilities, Digital Governance and effective Grievance Redressal Mechanisms shall be the core areas for realizing Vision 2047, suggests the Economic Survey 2022-23.

Those who were present on the occasion includes Secretary, PD&MD; DG, Planning; Directors of Planning of different Departments besides other officers of the department.

 SRINAGAR, MARCH 28:  Director, Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), Ajaz Ahmad Bhat today presided over the valediction function of the 10-Day Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) held at Centre for Women Entrepreneurship (CWE) in Srinagar. 

The EDP was organized by JKEDI for aspiring female entrepreneurs. The candidates were apprised about basic business concepts like business plan formulation, marketing plans, accounts management, and many other topics of relevance. 

While speaking on the occasion, Director JKEDI congratulated the budding entrepreneurs and assured them that the Institute will continue to provide support in the future as well.

 “I assure all the budding entrepreneurs present here that our institute will handhold and support anyone in need,” said Director, JKEDI. 

He also informed the candidates that they should take advantage of technology and social media to expand their business. 

“Innovation and technology are vital for any startup, and I am certain that you can strengthen your ventures by adopting new technology.”

“Women are proving their mettle in every field and entrepreneurship is no exception. They should come forward and avail benefits under different government schemes,” he added.

Later in the function, the Director distributed certificates among the successful candidates. A number of the trained female entrepreneurs who participated in the valediction ceremony said that with the training program, they have gained a lot of confidence to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

 In Charge, CWE presented a vote of thanks and emphasized the need for the participation of females in such schemes and programs to overcome the menace of unemployment in the UT of J&K.