Bhaderwah : An Awareness Programme on Branding and Marketing was organised Wednesday  for the beneficiaries of the PM Vishwakarma Scheme here at Government ITI.

The MSME-Development & Facilitation Office (MSME-DFO), Jammu, Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India hosted the event to sensitise traditional artisans(PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries) about branding, packaging, marketing, digitalisation, financial assistance, skill development and the Government schemes, with a focus on enhancing the marketability, visibility and reach of their products.

The programme commenced with a welcome address and brief overview by Ankit Sharma.

An officer from the District Industries Centre (DIC) delivered a presentation on various UT Government schemes and apprised the participants about the institutional support and opportunities available for artisans and entrepreneurs.

IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME-DFO Jammu Rajesh Kumar delivered a detailed presentation on the PM Vishwakarma Scheme and various MSME schemes. He apprised the participants about key components and benefits under the schemes, including skill development, toolkit assistance, credit facilitation, digital empowerment and other interventions aimed at strengthening micro enterprises.

A session on Loan and Banking Schemes, Social Security Schemes and Loan Sanction & Distribution was conducted by the Lead District Manager. The participants were briefed about banking facilities, credit support and various social security benefits available to them.

District Nodal Officer, JKEDI, Dr. Majid conducted a session on Product Packaging, Labelling and Designing. He highlighted the importance of attractive and appropriate packaging, accurate labelling and professional product presentation in improving the market acceptance and value of traditional artisan products.

A special session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools was conducted by Ajay Pal Singh, PMU Team, Jammu. The session focused on the potential use of AI tools for product promotion, content creation, digital marketing and business outreach, enabling artisans to explore emerging digital avenues for promoting their products.

Principal Government ITI, Doda and representative of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Farooq Ahmad apprised the participants about the skill development and entrepreneurship schemes and opportunities available for enhancing their technical and entrepreneurial capabilities.

The participants were also briefed by the Coordinator/Officer, RSETI, Doda about the training facilities and entrepreneurship development programmes available for prospective as well as existing entrepreneurs.

A session on QR Code Generation and Digital Account facilities was conducted by India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), Doda with emphasis on adoption of digital payment mechanisms and greater financial digitalisation among artisans.

The Assistant Director, Department of Handloom &Handicrafts,    also addressed the participants and highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts while making artisans aware of institutional support and opportunities available for their growth.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday checkpoints across Handwara, Langate, Kralgund, Vilgam, and neighboring areas were established to carry out the operations to enforce traffic compliance and halt unauthorized mineral extraction.

The camp particularly focused on raising awareness about mental health issues among students, emphasizing the importance of seeking timely professional support for conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Insha Qazi, Executive Director of KMCH, highlighted the significance of identifying mental health concerns early and encouraged students to pursue help without hesitation. She reiterated that healthcare should extend beyond hospital walls, aiming to bring specialized medical services directly to communities. Qazi also underscored KMCH’s commitment to preventive healthcare and community engagement through regular health camps and awareness initiatives. The outreach program received positive feedback from residents and civil society members, who expressed a desire for continued efforts in organizing similar camps in various localities. KMCH affirmed its dedication to enhancing mental well-being and ensuring that quality healthcare services are accessible to all, with plans for future outreach activities to strengthen community health services throughout Kashmir.

The initiative, held at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Pulwama, aimed to educate fruit growers on sustainable pest management practices, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly approaches. Approximately 50 orchardists participated in the program, which featured interactions with scientists and technical personnel. Dr. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head of KVK Pulwama, highlighted the need for enhanced farmer-oriented extension activities to facilitate the adoption of scientifically backed pest management technologies. Experts at the event underscored the increasing relevance of biological control, biopesticides, and integrated pest management (IPM) in fruit production, advocating for reduced reliance on chemical pesticides and the conservation of beneficial organisms. Technical sessions led by Prof. Sajad Mohi-ud-Din and Dr. Mudasir Gani Bhat addressed major insect pests impacting apple and other temperate fruit crops, offering practical management strategies through biological control agents and eco-friendly interventions. Orchardists were encouraged to adopt timely pest surveillance and integrated pest management strategies rather than depending solely on chemical solutions. As part of the outreach initiative, biopesticides and bioagents were distributed to participants to promote practical application in local orchards. An interactive session allowed orchardists to engage with experts on pest identification and management practices, receiving guidance on implementing safer pest control methods. The program successfully connected scientific research with the practical needs of farmers, promoting biological control as a vital aspect of sustainable pest management in Kashmir’s temperate fruit-growing regions. Participants expressed their appreciation for the initiative and their willingness to adopt eco-friendly practices in their orchards. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Gowhar Nabi Parary, acknowledging the contributions of all involved.

The delegation had detailed deliberations with Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras and senior faculty members during the visit.

The visiting journalists were briefed about a wide spectrum of initiatives and programs underway in IITM and various Centres of Excellence (CoE) for technological development in sectors like agriculture, health, education, artificial intelligence, quantum mechanics, aerospace engineering. The director informed the delegation how the premier research facility has opened its doors to the talent from all over the country.

The delegation visited various laboratories and centres like Lab-Grown

Diamond Facility, Ship Simulator, Brain Centre, National Centre for Additive and Hybrid Technologies (NCAHT).

A guided tour to the state of art Incubation Cell (IC) & Research Park

(RP) was also part of the visit. The delegation was informed about the start up ecosystem of the institute with start ups like Ather Energy, Agnikul Cosmos and the ePlane Company being top names in the start up landscape of the country.

Earlier in the day a detailed presentation was given on different off campus courses offered by the IITM to provide opportunities to students and working professionals for pursuing an array of courses on offer.

The delegation is scheduled to call on the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry on Wednesday as part of the engagements on the third day of the tour.

The District Youth Services and Sports Officer presented the proposal identifying various stadiums and sports grounds for development under the programme across different blocks and constituencies of the district. The meeting also reviewed the availability and status of land for the proposed projects, with emphasis on proper verification of land and assessment of requisite facilities before commencement of works.

The District Development Commissioner directed the concerned officers to undertake proper mapping and assessment of existing sports infrastructure and prioritise projects in accordance with the prescribed Khelo India guidelines. He stressed coordinated efforts to strengthen sports facilities and create better opportunities for youth to participate in sports and pursue sporting activities.

The concerned officers were directed to furnish the requisite details and complete all necessary formalities for further processing of the proposals.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, Chief Planning Officer Narinder Kumar, Sub-Divisional Magistrates of Mahore, Dharmari and Katra, Assistant Commissioner Development, District Youth Services and Sports Officer attended the meeting.

The inauguration was held in the presence of Vikas Mittal, OIC NABARD J&K UT;  Nasir Ahmad Lone, ADDC Shopian, Bilal Ahmad, SDM Zainapora; and Zubair Wasil, DDM NABARD Shopian, besides representatives of the Village Springshed Committee, facilitating NGO VOESEP and local residents.

The project has a total financial outlay of ₹87.38 lakh, comprising NABARD contribution of ₹81.33 lakh and community contribution of ₹6.05 lakh. The project will be executed by the Village Springshed Committee, Zainapora, with VOESEP serving as the facilitating NGO.

Under the three-year implementation programme, 12 springs will be treated, covering a total area of approximately 300 hectares in eleven villages across the Zainapora Block. The initiative is based on the core principles of climate adaptation-conservation of natural resources, groundwater recharge, ecological restoration, community participation and building resilience of vulnerable communities to climate variability.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated NABARD and the implementing agencies for taking up the important initiative in Zainapora. He stressed the need for community participation and scientific management of spring sources to ensure their sustainability and availability of water for future generations.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted that the project will have a direct impact on livelihood security in the cluster. With rejuvenation of springs and improved moisture regime, irrigation facilities will be augmented, ensuring assured water for agriculture even during lean periods. This will enable diversification of crops, promotion of high-value and climate-resilient crops and increase in cropping intensity, thereby enhancing farm incomes.

He further added that the project will ensure sustainable drinking water availability for local habitations, reduce drudgery of women, and create livelihood opportunities through watershed works, nursery raising and afforestation. The works will be converged with VB-G RAM G and other schemes of Agriculture, Horticulture and Rural Development departments for asset creation and income generation.

He emphasized on public ownership and Jan Bhagidari to take the project ahead, so that the created assets are protected and maintained by the community itself for long-term sustainability and climate adaptability of the agrarian economy of Zainapora.

He called upon the concerned stakeholders and local communities to ensure effective implementation of the project and protection of the treated areas so that the intended benefits reach the people in a sustainable manner.

The project, sanctioned on 05 August 2026, is expected to make a significant contribution towards spring conservation, water security, ecological restoration and climate change adaptation in the Zainapora area.

Among others, LDM, officers and officials of allied departments, besides a large number of farmers, were present on the occasion.

The opening of the bridge was warmly welcomed by people across Bandipora district, particularly residents of Naninara and adjoining areas.The facility will make daily commuting easier and provide smoother connectivity towards Srinagar and other parts of the district.

Residents described the opening as an important step towards improving road infrastructure in the area. They said better connectivity would benefit students, employees, patients, traders and other commuters who regularly travel between Bandipora and Srinagar for various purposes.

People also expressed hope that the bridge would improve the movement of public transport and commercial vehicles while reducing travel-related difficulties. They said improved connectivity could also boost local economic activities by making it easier for traders and businesses to transport goods and access markets.

The project is expected to strengthen the road network connecting Bandipora with Srinagar and facilitate the movement of people from several adjoining areas. For many residents, the bridge is seen as an important addition to the district’s road infrastructure and a step towards addressing longstanding connectivity requirements.

Speaking on the occasion, both MLAs emphasised that improved infrastructure plays a crucial role in strengthening connectivity between communities and promoting economic and social development. They also interacted with local residents and heard their concerns and expectations regarding further development in the area.

Local people appreciated the efforts behind the completion of the bridge and said such projects can have a direct impact on the everyday lives of residents. They also called for continued attention to roads, drainage, public transport and other basic infrastructure facilities.

The opening of the bridge Is expected to particularly benefit people travelling towards Srinagar for employment, education, healthcare, business and other essential activities. Residents said smoother connectivity would save time and make their regular journeys more convenient.

The Inauguration witnessed the participation of a significant number of local residents, who welcomed the opening and expressed hope that more developmental projects would be taken up in the area. With the Naninara Bridge now open to traffic, commuters can expect smoother movement along the route, further strengthening connectivity between Bandipora and Srinagar.

Renowned motivational speaker Saeed Ahmed addressed the gathering and stressed the importance of positive parenting, effective child guidance and personality development. Through presentations and examples, he highlighted the role of parents in the healthy growth and education of children.

Other speakers highlighted the importance of teachers in society and their role in shaping and guiding the younger generation.

Students, parents and staff participated in the programme and appreciated the speakers for their guidance on education, parenting and child development.