• Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.

Dy CM Reviews J&KKVIB and JKPCC Performance, Calls for Boosting Employment in J&K

Published on May 6, 2025

Advertisement

Srinagar, May 6:
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, to evaluate the functioning and achievements of the Jammu & Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (J&KKVIB) and the Jammu & Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC).

Present at the meeting were Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, CEO J&KKVIB Jagdish Chander, and senior officers from both organizations. A detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighted KVIB’s key initiatives, financial progress, and physical achievements.

The Deputy CM was informed that J&KKVIB is currently implementing three major employment-oriented schemes—PMEGP, JKREGP, and SFURTI—with the aim of boosting entrepreneurship, supporting rural artisans, and promoting environmentally sustainable development. Over the past six years, 33,133 individuals—19,444 men and 13,689 women—have benefited under PMEGP, while 4,947 individuals have received assistance through JKREGP.

Notably, 8 cluster projects have been approved under the SFURTI scheme, and 115 beekeeping training camps have been organized in the Kashmir division to promote micro-enterprises.

Speaking at the event, Surinder Choudhary, who also chairs KVIB, stressed the need for inclusive and simplified processes that promote equal access to opportunities, especially for women, the marginalized, and persons with disabilities. He encouraged training initiatives to improve unit management and maximize income generation.

He called on all stakeholders to work together, ensuring convergence with other departments and seamless forward-backward linkages with skill development programmes. He also emphasized the importance of close collaboration with banks to ensure timely credit disbursal and effective scheme implementation.

Later, the Deputy CM met with senior officials of JKPCC to address key issues such as staffing, account finalizations, pending liabilities, and equipment deployment. JKPCC MD Bashir Ahmad Dar highlighted operational challenges and sought administrative intervention.

Surinder Choudhary assured that the concerns raised by JKPCC would be addressed in a structured and phased manner to streamline operations and strengthen infrastructure delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.

Advertisement
E-Paper

No epapers found.

Kashmir Weather
KASHMIR WEATHER
Breaking News
  • Bill Seeking Ban on Alcohol in J&K to be Introduced in Assembly
  • PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, has submitted a Private Member’s Bill seeking a complete ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The bill, set to be introduced in the upcoming budget session of the J&K Assembly, proposes prohibition on the advertisement, sale, purchase, consumption, and manufacture of alcoholic beverages in the Union Territory.
  • Mir warned that the rising alcohol consumption poses a serious threat to society, stressing the need for strict legislation to curb the trend. The bill also proposes harsh penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violations.