Dr. Jitendra Singh Urges Launch of Startup Awareness Drive in Jammu & Kashmir

JAMMU, Sept 21: Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has called for an extensive Startup awareness campaign in Jammu & Kashmir, stressing that youth in the region must take full advantage of the incentives and schemes rolled out by the Modi government over the last 11 years.

Speaking at the Lead Impact Conclave in Jammu, Dr. Singh emphasized that it is a misconception that startups thrive only in big cities. “Nearly 50% of India’s startups are based in Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, but unfortunately Jammu has not been able to make its mark yet. When opportunities are available online for everyone, why can’t the youth here benefit too?” he asked.

The Minister urged workshops, digital campaigns, and the use of social media to spread awareness, while also encouraging youth to move away from the traditional ‘Sarkari Naukri’ mindset. He said the government has built an enabling ecosystem where startups are now a viable and lucrative livelihood option, creating not only self-employment but also jobs for others.

Highlighting India’s achievements, Dr. Singh said the country now ranks 3rd globally with 1.7 lakh startups, including nearly 60,000 led by women. He praised the “Purple Revolution” of lavender farming in J&K as a successful model of agri-startups that has inspired states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.

He also pointed to schemes such as Mudra Yojana, PM SvaNidhi, and PM Vishwakarma Yojana as vital financial support systems for small enterprises, artisans, and street vendors. Additionally, he stressed the importance of industry-academia collaboration, futuristic research in biotechnology, and the promotion of khadi under the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative.

Dr. Singh concluded that startups will play a critical role in shaping a self-reliant and developed India by 2047, with the youth as key drivers of innovation and growth.