Dr Bilal stresses on Entrepreneurship, Youth Empowerment and Employment Generation
Anantnag : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Thursday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning, progress and developmental initiatives of the Industries and Commerce Department in the district, with a focus on strengthening industrial infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship and generating sustainable employment opportunities.
During the meeting, the General Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC), Anantnag, presented a detailed overview of various departmental schemes and initiatives, highlighting their progress, achievements, implementation status and challenges affecting industrial development in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) and took note of portal-related issues being faced by prospective entrepreneurs and beneficiaries. He stressed the need for timely resolution of these issues through close coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure that eligible applicants do not face unnecessary delays in availing the benefits of the scheme.
Emphasising the role of PMEGP in promoting self-employment and establishing micro-enterprises, the DC directed the concerned officers to facilitate eligible beneficiaries at every stage, ensure proper guidance regarding application procedures and address implementation-related bottlenecks on priority. He underscored the importance of making government-sponsored employment schemes more accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly educated and unemployed youth.
The meeting also held detailed deliberations on the infrastructure-related challenges confronting industrial estates across the district, particularly the 14 newly transferred industrial estates. Issues pertaining to the availability of basic amenities, essential infrastructure and other facilities required for setting up and operating industrial units were discussed in detail.
Taking note of the concerns raised, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for a coordinated and systematic approach to address infrastructure gaps and facilitate the smooth establishment and functioning of industrial units. He assured that the issues highlighted during the meeting would be examined for appropriate action, in coordination with the concerned departments and authorities.
Highlighting the importance of a robust industrial ecosystem in driving economic growth, the DC called for concerted efforts to create a business-friendly environment that encourages investment, supports local entrepreneurs and strengthens the district’s industrial base. He emphasised that adequate infrastructure, responsive administrative support and effective implementation of government schemes are essential for translating industrial development initiatives into tangible outcomes.
The Deputy Commissioner further stressed the need to intensify awareness and outreach activities to educate prospective entrepreneurs about the benefits, eligibility criteria and application procedures of various government-sponsored schemes. He called for proactive engagement with youth, aspiring business owners and other potential beneficiaries to encourage them to establish viable enterprises and explore opportunities for self-employment.
He underscored that the Industries and Commerce Department has a significant role in facilitating entrepreneurship, nurturing local enterprise and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He directed the concerned officers to work in close coordination, ensure timely follow-up on the issues raised and adopt a result-oriented approach towards addressing implementation challenges.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening industrial infrastructure, improving access to employment-oriented schemes and fostering entrepreneurship-led growth to accelerate economic development and generate greater employment opportunities in District Anantnag.
