The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has launched the ambitious “Mission YUVA” to harness the potential of the youth, fostering their development through skill enhancement and entrepreneurship. Recognizing that youth are the backbone of the nation’s growth, Mission YUVA aims to create a brighter and prosperous future by addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities for young individuals.
Objectives of Mission YUVA
Mission YUVA focuses on:
Catalyzing an Entrepreneurial Culture: Encouraging youth to embrace entrepreneurship by creating an enabling environment for new and existing enterprises.
One-Stop Portal for Scheme Convergence: Streamlining recommendations and credit delivery to maximize government intervention impacts.
Capacity Building: Enhancing skills and market presence through innovative branding and support mechanisms.
Promoting Innovation and Economic Growth: Fostering creative talents and driving significant growth through sustainable practices.
Providing Micro Financing Support: Offering collateral-free financing with margin money and subsidized interest rates to nano-entrepreneurs.
Establishing New Enterprises: Encouraging enterprises in focus sectors with capital investment subsidies and interest subvention.
Financial Assistance Under Mission YUVA
A. Creation of Nano Enterprises and Collectives
Initial Investment Support:
25% of the project cost, up to a maximum of ₹1,00,000, for general beneficiaries.
30% of the project cost for women entrepreneurs and persons with disabilities (PWD).
Interest Subvention:
6% annual interest subvention for five years, capped at ₹50,000 for early loan repayment.
B. Creation of New MSMEs in Focus and Sunrise Sectors
Capital Investment Loans:
Micro enterprises (up to ₹1 crore): Interest subvention capped at ₹5 lakhs.
Small enterprises (₹1–10 crore): Interest subvention capped at ₹30 lakhs.
Medium enterprises (₹10–20 crore): Interest subvention capped at ₹75 lakhs.
Credit Guarantee: Unified fund coverage for new enterprises.
C. Business Acceleration for Existing Enterprises
Interest Subvention:
6% annual interest subvention for five years, capped at ₹10 lakhs.
Credit Guarantee Coverage: Support under the unified fund
To achieve its goals, the government has commissioned a baseline survey through the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, with support from BISAG Ahmedabad. This survey aims to:
Profile Youth Skills and Challenges: Understand skill sets and barriers faced by entrepreneurs, including access to finance, mentorship, and training.
Shape Policies: Customize interventions to enhance skill development, resource availability, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Objectives of the Baseline Survey
The survey seeks to:
Identify Challenges: Map difficulties faced by registered enterprises and potential entrepreneurs.
Promote Enterprises: Shape interventions to create 1,37,000+ new enterprises, generating over 4,25,000 employment opportunities.
Policy Formulation: Collect data to refine strategies and ensure inclusive economic growth.
Target Population
Existing Entrepreneurs:
Registered MSMEs and informal businesses operating in various sectors.
Potential Entrepreneurs:
Youth aged 18-39 with entrepreneurial aspirations or relevant training.
Expected Outcomes of the Survey
For Registered Enterprises:
Enterprise Profiling: Mapping sectors, types, and categories.
Skill and Workforce Analysis: Identifying workforce composition and skill requirements.
Highlighting Challenges: Addressing barriers to business growth.
Technology Needs: Assessing technological adoption and infrastructure gaps.
For Potential Entrepreneurs:
Identification: Listing individuals with entrepreneurial potential.
Training Needs: Evaluating skill gaps and training requirements.
Economic Assessment: Understanding financial status and challenges in starting enterprises.
Interest Trends: Mapping trends in entrepreneurship aspirations.
Survey Methodology
Registered Enterprises:
Stratified sampling based on enterprise type and location, ensuring a representative sample across all sectors.
Potential Entrepreneurs:
Comprehensive door-to-door enumeration across households in all Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
Barriers Faced by Youth
Despite their immense potential, young individuals face numerous challenges that hinder their growth and ability to contribute effectively to society. Addressing these barriers is a critical focus of Mission YUVA. Key challenges include:
Unemployment:
A significant number of youth struggle to find suitable job opportunities, especially in rural and underserved areas. This often leads to economic instability and frustration.
Skill Gaps:
Many young people lack the necessary skills required by industries. The mismatch between educational qualifications and job market demands exacerbates the issue.
Financial Constraints:
Limited access to credit and financial support makes it difficult for aspiring entrepreneurs to start or expand their ventures.
Lack of Mentorship:
The absence of guidance and mentorship often leaves young individuals without a clear roadmap to achieve their aspirations.
Gender Inequality:
Young women, in particular, face additional barriers such as societal norms, safety concerns, and limited access to resources.
Technological Divide:
Inadequate access to technology and digital tools prevents youth from exploring modern opportunities like e-commerce and online education.
Mental Health Challenges:
Stress, anxiety, and lack of mental health support are growing concerns, particularly in high-pressure environments.
Conclusion:-
Mission YUVA is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. By conducting a detailed baseline survey, the government seeks to address challenges, enhance skill development, and foster an entrepreneurial culture. With over 1,37,000 enterprises and 4,25,000 employment opportunities envisioned, Mission YUVA is set to revolutionize the economic landscape of the region, unlocking the true potential of its youth.
