LG has launched the ‘HAUSLA' women's entrepreneurship initiative

At the SKICC Srinagar, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha introduced the "HAUSLA- inspiring her growth," a comprehensive initiative for catalyzing in the UT.

The Lt Governor described the occasion as the start of a new era in women's entrepreneurship, saying that women in Jammu and Kashmir can achieve great heights in any area and that history is littered with outstanding women leaders from the state.

“There is no sphere in which the women of Jammu and Kashmir have not achieved acclaim and reputation, whether it be political, social, or economic. Even centuries ago, the social position of women in Jammu and Kashmir was far better than in other areas of the country,” the Lt Governor added.

The goal of the innovative initiative is to empower women as key drivers of overall development in the UT by identifying and empowering female entrepreneurs as role models, providing them with markets, networks, training, and ongoing support, and then creating an ecosystem to inspire other female entrepreneurs in the area.

LG, when asked about the relevance of "Hausla," stated that the programme was created in a highly scientific manner and that its broad boundaries include addressing women entrepreneurs in J&K who have already established themselves in the field of self-employment. Providing a platform for educated women to discover their potential and then channel their business acumen, assisting them in overcoming obstacles such as financial, legal issues, and societal biases by focusing on their inherent potential. Furthermore, information on government promotion programmes for women entrepreneurs will be disseminated, as well as access to entrepreneurship education and training with an emphasis on business development.

The government's objective, according to the LG, is to narrow the gap between women and men entrepreneurs in a methodical manner, as well as to encourage women who are currently employed in various professions to join the "Hausla" programme.

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Sh. Ranjan Thakur, Principal Secretary Industries; Ms. Ankita Kar, Managing Director, J&K Trade Promotion Organization; and Sh. Bharatendu Verma of IIM Ahmedabad, who worked on the ‘Hausla' scheme for women entrepreneurs and aspiring women in J&K with his entire team.

He also praised Shahid Choudhary, CEO of Mission Youth, and stated that the Tejaswini scheme, which had been announced in March but had been delayed due to Corona, had now been formally launched today.

On this day devoted to women, the Lt Governor also paid tribute to all the women who have worked tirelessly in the health sector, demonstrating great strength, service, and dedication. “For more than a year, doctors, nurses, ASHA, Anganwadi, and ANM workers have selflessly served the people of J&K. Their role will be documented in history, from saving lives in clinical management to offering protection through vaccination,” he added.

Neetu Bali and Atiqa Wani, two female entrepreneurs from Jammu and Kulgam, respectively, spoke about their entrepreneurial journeys.