Jammu, Nov 14: The Jammu and Kashmir government has reiterated its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship within the region, with a particular emphasis on bolstering the start-up ecosystem and enhancing access to credit for aspiring entrepreneurs. This commitment was articulated by the Chief Minister during the first-ever convocation of the Cluster University of Jammu.
Cluster University of Jammu’s First Convocation
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the graduating students of the Cluster University of Jammu, describing the institution as a significant educational initiative designed to integrate the region’s established academic strengths with modern higher education practices. He congratulated the graduating students, including gold medalists, acknowledging their role as pioneers who are setting a precedent for future generations. The Chief Minister also recognized the crucial support and sacrifices made by parents, families, and educators in the academic journeys of the students.
The Chief Minister identified several sectors as having substantial potential for entrepreneurial development and employment generation. These include agribusiness and food processing, sustainable tourism, cultural heritage, renewable energy, disaster resilience, and the digital economy. He urged the graduates to utilize their academic knowledge to develop innovative enterprises in these areas.
Highlighting the potential within Jammu and Kashmir’s agricultural sector, Abdullah pointed to the value addition, branding, and market access opportunities for products such as basmati rice, Bhaderwah rajmash, saffron, walnuts, kaladi, and citrus fruits. He further encouraged graduates to explore opportunities in heritage and eco-tourism, digital media, renewable energy solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure, and technology-enabled services.
Government Support for Entrepreneurs
“My government is determined to support young entrepreneurs by strengthening the start-up ecosystem, simplifying clearances and improving access to credit,” the Chief Minister stated. He elaborated on the unique structure of the Cluster University of Jammu, which federates five constituent colleges: GGM Science College, MAM College, SPMR College of Commerce, Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, and Government College of Education. This collaborative model, he noted, pools academic resources, faculty, libraries, and laboratories to promote multidisciplinary learning.
The university’s recognition within the 151–200 band of the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) was cited as an encouraging achievement. However, the Chief Minister stressed the need for continuous investment in common infrastructure, digital connectivity, modern laboratories, and hostel facilities, particularly for students from remote areas like Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, and Kishtwar. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining timely academic calendars and examination cycles to prevent students from losing academic years.
“My government is committed to providing our universities with the necessary institutional support, academic autonomy, faculty strength and infrastructure to enable them to become genuine centres of knowledge, innovation and regional problem-solving,” Abdullah affirmed. He advised the graduating students to embrace continuous learning and critical thinking in response to rapid technological advancements, including the rise of artificial intelligence, which are transforming the employment landscape.
Urging graduates to look beyond conventional career paths, the Chief Minister encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship and emerging economic opportunities, acknowledging that government employment alone cannot accommodate all graduates. He asserted, “Sustainable prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir will come when our youth move beyond being exclusively job seekers and become value creators, innovators and entrepreneurs.” The Chief Minister also called for a focus on character development and social responsibility, encouraging lifelong learning, respect for labor, integrity, community engagement, and prioritizing mental and physical well-being.
He urged the graduates to carry forward Jammu and Kashmir’s pluralistic cultural ethos and heritage in their professional lives and contribute their skills and ideas towards the region’s development.
The Chenab Times News Desk
