Igniter Startup Fest Curtain Raiser Ignites Hope for a Resilient Entrepreneurial Landscape in J&K

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu flanked by Prof Naresh Padha, Convenor, Core Committee, Igniter 23, Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib, Mission Director, J&K Rural Livilehood Mission, Sh Rajesh Dubey, Zonal Head, Jammu, J&K Bank, Ms. Sunaina Mehta, Joint Director, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, Prof Monika Chadha, Convenor, Press & Publicity Committee, Mr Ayush Mahajan, J&K Startup Association, Dr Vinay Thusoo, member, Press & Publicity Committee today briefed the media at a Curtain Raiser Press conference of the Igniter 23 being hosted by the University of Jammu on 8th November 2023 in  collaboration with J&K Rural Livilehood Mission, Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, J&K Bank and J&K Startup Association. The Vice Chancellor informed that Sh Manoj Sinha, Governor, UT of Jammu & Kashmir & the Chancellor, University shall be the Chief Guest on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rai said that Jammu University has initiated various new programmes for providing new opportunities to youth. Design your Degree (DYD) is one such initiative for which Parliamentary Standing Committee has directed the UGC to see the feasibility of implementing this unique program at the national level. Prof. Rai also announced that the government has sanctioned more than 4 crores  to promote entrepreneurship and start up culture in the University of Jammu. In the light of this, the start-up policy of the University would be released during Igniter -23. He also ensured that about 150 start-ups with the help of various departments like JK tourism, J&K Bank will be initiated in the coming year of which 5 start-ups will be launched by Hon’ble Lieutint Governor of UT of Jammu and Kashmir during Igniter-23. The university is following Hon’ble Prime Minister’s policy of “Teach to Transform and Educate to Inform” which has brought a paradigm shift i.e. from Job Seeker to Job Provider. The Culture of Jammu University is transitioning wherein the students who used to discuss the job opportunities are now discussing their own startup programmes. During Igniter-23, a MoU will be signed with the J&K Bank wherein the bank would finance the start ups in the University. Ms. Indu Kanwal Chib, while addressing the media shared that about 8000 women are associated with J&K Rural Livelihood Mission and are successfully running their enterprises. She expects that Igniter -23 can boost the concept of innovations and start-up culture in the region. Sh. Rajesh Dubey, in his address, mentioned that J&K bank readily finances the government schemes to promote economic growth in the region. Ms. Sunaina Mehta said that the Directorate of Tourism Jammu has initiated different endeavors to engage youth to promote off-beat tourist destinations. According to Ms. Mehta, the involvement of stakeholders for adventure tourism is necessary. The Directorate has launched The J&K Home Stay Policy wherein different youth of the Union Territory will be involved. Mr. Ayush Mahajan from J&K Start up Association in his address spoke about the role of his association bring together academia and government, to create opportunities for economic growth so that J&K becomes a hub for boosting new entrepreneurial ventures . Earlier, Prof. Monika Chadha delivered the formal welcome address while Dr. Vinay Thusoo conducted the proceeding of the function. Among others present on the occasion were Dr. Garima Gupta, Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies, Dr. Harish Chander Dutt, department of Botany and students of DYD, English and Journalism and Media Studies.