‘One-day Workshop’ based on dissemination of findings and outcomes of the Short-term Empirical Research Project organized at The Business School, JU

Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) sponsored ‘One-day Workshop’ based on dissemination of findings and outcomes of the Short-term Empirical Research Project (Collaborative) titled “Impact of PM Ujjwala Yojana in Empowering Households: A Study on Jammu & Kashmir UT” organized at The Business School, University of Jammu on 24th February, 2024. The Collaborative Research Project has been sanctioned to Dr Aubid Hussain Parrey, Project Coordinator & Assistant Professor, The Business School, University of Jammu and his team comprising of Project Directors Dr Tanveer, Dr Zahoor, Dr Ashiq, Dr Tawseef & Dr Zubair from IUST, Awantipora. The workshop commenced with lighting of lamp ceremony. Sh.M.Y. Ittoo, Director General (Budget), Department of Finance, J&K Govt. was Chief Guest of the day and Prof. Rishi Raj Sharma, Professor & Dean, GNDU wasspecial guest on the occasion. In his address, Sh. M.Y. Ittooemphasized the empowerment of women in society through this scheme launched by the honourable PM of India. He appreciated the efforts of research team for conducting this extensive study and reaching difficult terrains of UT of Jammu & Kashmir. He suggested that the facts and figures from this project be shared with the concerned Ministry for publication purpose. Prof Rishi Raj highlighted the significance of conducting such research project which has high social relevance and use in policy making. He stressed upon carrying out such research projects on continuous basis to benefit society at large especially rural population. Earlier, Prof. Vinay Chauhan, Director, The Business School formally welcomed the guests and gathering, wherein he highlighted the importance of the PM Ujjwala Yojana in UT of Jammu & Kashmir. Prof. Vinay Chauhan further emphasized the importance of oil companies in the successful implementation of this scheme. Prof Chauhan appreciated the efforts of Project coordinator and his team for conducting this comprehensive study. He announced that a foundation for rural economic development shall be established to address the emerging research areas for rural upliftment. Dr. Aubid Hussain Parrey, Project Coordinator, apprised the dignitaries and gathering about the benefits of the schemes and the objectives of the study. Dr. Parrey shared the entire journey of his project focusing on how this study was undertaken and executed. Prof. Mushtaq A. Darzi, University of Kashmir also addressed the gathering with his valuable insights about the implementation of the PMUY in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. He congratulated Prof. Vinay Chauhan and Dr. Aubid Hussain Parrey for their exceptional efforts in achieving the objectives of the government schemes that impact society at large and TBS in particular. The one-day workshop comprised of three sessions. In the first session,the objectives and methodologyof the project were highlighted. The second session started with the formal welcome of the dignitaries from oil companies namely Sh. Satish Kumar, Divisional LPG Head, IOCL, Sh. Nikunj Shukla, Chief Manager,HPCL & Sh. Naveen Kumar, Manager-Sales, BPCLwith a floral token of appreciation by Dr. Aubid Hussain Parrey for their gracious presence in the workshop. The dignitaries from various oil companies were apprised of the salient features of the project. In the third session, various videos of the beneficiaries from far-flung areas in J&K were showcased to give a glimpse of the interaction between field investigators and beneficiaries. Finally, the key findings were presentedalong with the societal implications of the PMUY scheme in empowering women. The officials from these oil companies gave their detailed inputs regarding PMUY in J&K UT. This was followed by feedback session where suggestions and inputs were collected from the beneficiaries and audience to be incorporated in the final project report. Sh. Ashok Kumar, Joint Director, FoodCivil Supplies& Consumer Affairswas Guest of Honour of the day. He congratulated the entire team of the project for their commendable efforts in making people aware of the various aspects of the PMUY scheme and making an in-detailed presentation on findings and outcomes of the project. The workshop ended with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Aubid Hussain Parrey. Dr. Parrey, thanked all the dignitaries, beneficiaries of the PMUY, teaching and non-teaching faculty of TBS, civil society and all other stakeholders for making this workshop a great success. The beneficiaries, scholars and resource persons were felicitated with a certificate of appreciation.