Panel Discussion on 'Yuva Scheme and Development of Nano-Entrepreneurship in J&K

13 November 2024

The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) organized a panel discussion on "Project Yuva Scheme and Development of Nano-Entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir." The session, chaired by Prof. Ashok Aima, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Jammu, and moderated by Prof. Parvez A. Mir, Director of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), brought together experts and industry consultants to explore the prospects and challenges of Project Yuva, a government initiative aimed at fostering youth-led nano-entrepreneurship in the region.

The discussion examined Jammu and Kashmir’s unique entrepreneurial landscape, emphasizing the need for self-sustaining micro-businesses tailored to local communities. Prof. Ashok Aima highlighted the critical importance of building local competencies for sustainable development. "Unless we develop local competencies, we are living in the fallacy of growth," he remarked, stressing the necessity of region-specific strategies to empower young entrepreneurs and drive economic progress in the region.

Varun Kashyap, co-founder of LetsEndorse, delivered an engaging address on fostering a mass micro-entrepreneurship movement in India. He emphasized the pivotal role of educational institutions in shaping entrepreneurial mindsets and promoting participatory business models. Kashyap underscored the importance of cultivating a culture that encourages risk-taking and supports young entrepreneurs in overcoming the challenges of launching small-scale enterprises.

Dr. Touseef Bhat, an industry consultant, shed light on the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) in fostering an entrepreneurial culture. He advocated for the effective implementation of NEP to equip youth with the necessary skills and mindset for business innovation, particularly within the scope of Project Yuva.

Er. Parvez Qalander, another industry consultant, emphasized the need for coherence among policies impacting entrepreneurship in the region. He highlighted how conflicting industrial and startup policies could hinder progress and called for policy alignment to create a more supportive ecosystem for budding entrepreneurs.

The panel discussion demonstrated IUST’s commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities within J&K’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Prof. Parvez A. Mir emphasized the importance of policy alignment, education, and community support in achieving Project Yuva’s vision for nano-entrepreneurship. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to collaborating on the implementation of such initiatives to empower the youth and drive sustainable economic growth.