Govt jobs can’t be provided to everyone: CM Omar
Says govt working on creating new opportunities
Srinagar: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said his government is working on creating fresh job opportunities in the union territory, as government jobs cannot be provided to everyone.
The chief minister was speaking at an event after inaugurating a two-day J-K Business and Trade Fair organised by the district administration of Kulgam in collaboration with ‘Mission YUVA’.
The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs, he said.
The government is working to create jobs, but it is not possible to provide government employment to everyone, the chief minister remarked.
“Therefore, it is essential to create self-employment avenues, and schemes like ‘Mission YUVA’ have been devised to fulfil this objective,” he said.
Abdullah emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government.
He added that the aim of the scheme is to empower young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators.
Abdullah said trade fairs play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.
During the event, he also visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under the scheme.
Commenting on the terror act in Delhi, the Chief Minister said the people of Jammu and Kashmir are apprehensive to travel outside the Union territory as they are all seen as suspects for the violent acts of few.
“In the prevailing circumstances, perhaps parents will not like to send their children outside. When we are looked at with suspicious eyes from every side, when attempts are made to defame us for someone else’s doing, when attempts are made to bring everyone into the ambit of what few people have done, then it is obvious that it becomes difficult for us to leave for outside,” Abdullah said at an event in south Kashmir’s Kulgam.
The chief minister said it does not feel good to say this, “but what can we do, that is the reality”.
“Few people are responsible for what happened in Delhi (car blast near Red Fort), but a perception is being created that we all are to blame for that and we all are a part of it,” he added.
Sharing his thoughts, Abdullah said he also thinks twice before taking out his vehicle, bearing J-K registration, in the national capital.
“Today, even driving a J-K registration vehicle in Delhi is being seen as a crime. When I do not have many security personnel with me, I myself think whether I should take out my car or not, as I do not know if anyone will stop me and ask me where I was from and why I had come there,” he added.
The November 10 car explosion in Delhi that claimed 15 lives has triggered a sweeping, multi-agency investigation involving the Delhi Police Special Cell, NIA and Crime Branch.
Since the blast, police have checked more than 500 people from Jammu and Kashmir in Faridabad alone as part of heightened security measures.
Earlier, inaugurating the two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA, Omar said that the fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
After formally inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls established by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with the participants and lauded their contribution towards promoting business enterprises and generating livelihood opportunities in the district.
He emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government. He added that the aim of Mission Youth is to empower young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators.
The Chief Minister noted that trade fairs play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.
During the event, the Chief Minister visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under Mission YUVA scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, said that youth are actively participating in entrepreneurship schemes. She informed that many beneficiaries have already been identified and numerous cases approved. She stressed the need for smooth processing of cases to maximise the benefits and urged youth to avail themselves of these opportunities.
MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami, encouraged young people to seize every opportunity to build prosperous and progressive lives.
The programme was attended by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo; DDC Chairperson Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Secretary Labour and Employment, Kumar Rajiv Ranjan; Secretary in Information Department, Muneer Ul Islam; DDC Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Mission Director, Mission YUVA, Shadab Aalam; other senior officers; representatives of business organisations; entrepreneurs; and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Capacity-building completion certificates were distributed, Mission YUVA sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries, and MoUs were exchanged between Mission YUVA and ONDC.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan presented the welcome address and highlighted the aim of organising the two-day fair. Mission Director Shahzad Aalam presented the vote of thanks and highlighted achievements under Mission YUVA. (with inputs from PTI)
