JKEDI trains 299 entrepreneurs across 15 districts under RAMP Scheme

Jammu/Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) has  concluded its first batch of Management Development Programs (MDPs) under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) scheme, reaching 299 aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across 15 districts of the Union Territory.

Conducted between April 15 and April 21, 2025, the programs were held simultaneously in districts including Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Udhampur, Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, and Shopian. The initiative is funded by the Ministry of MSME, Government of India, and implemented in J&K by the Industries and Commerce Department.

Of the 299 participants, 207 were women entrepreneurs, reflecting a noteworthy trend of increasing female participation in enterprise development. Regionally, 178 participants hailed from Kashmir division, while 121 were from the Jammu division.

Each MDP spanned 30 hours over six days and included field visits and expert-led sessions. The training focused on equipping entrepreneurs with managerial, financial, and strategic skills to scale up their operations and build sustainable businesses. Modules covered a wide range of topics, including business planning, marketing strategies, digital tools, financial literacy, compliance, innovation, and leadership.

Subject matter experts from District Industries Centres and the Labour and Employment Department also engaged with participants, offering insights tailored to local business challenges. Field visits to successful enterprises provided participants with real-time exposure to best practices. Monitoring of the programs was done by designated range/reviewing officers who gathered feedback to ensure continuous improvement in delivery.

Commenting on the success of the initiative, JKEDI Director Khalid Jahangir (JKAS) said, “It is heartening to see the successful conclusion of 15 Management Development Programs under the RAMP scheme, with 299 entrepreneurs trained. This initiative is a key step in strengthening our MSME ecosystem by building capacity and fostering innovation. JKEDI will continue working with stakeholders to expand such programs and ensure broad-based access to entrepreneurial resources.”

The institute noted that the simultaneous launch of these MDPs across districts aimed at ensuring equitable access to training, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

The completion of this batch under the RAMP scheme is expected to significantly strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, paving the way for more resilient, innovative, and competitive local enterprises.