JAMMU — Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh officially inaugurated the Jammu & Kashmir chapter of the Dr. Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce at Jammu University today. Addressing the gathering, the Minister urged the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities to shift from a job-seeking mindset to an entrepreneurial and investment-oriented approach.
Empowering Weaker Sections Through Innovation
Dr. Singh highlighted that the government has built a comprehensive support system to handhold marginalized communities from a young age, encouraging them to move beyond reliance on government employment.
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Financial Inclusion: He cited the Jan Dhan Scheme and MUDRA loans as transformative tools that have provided the SC/ST communities with much-needed access to credit.
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Skill & Research Support: Key initiatives mentioned include the Vishwakarma Yojana for traditional crafts, Venture Capital Funds for SC/OBC entrepreneurs, and the Ambedkar Innovation and Incubation Mission.
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Scientific Temper: The Minister noted the success of the Aroma Mission and Science Technology Innovation Hubs, where a high percentage of beneficiaries belong to the SC community.
Key Schemes for Marginalized Groups
| Category | Key Initiatives & Schemes |
| Financial Support | MUDRA Loans, Jan Dhan, Venture Capital Fund for SCs |
| Education | Pre/Post-Matric Scholarships, Vigyan Jyoti (for girls) |
| Innovation | Ambedkar Innovation & Incubation Mission, Anusandhan NRF Grants |
| Livelihood | Aroma Mission, Vishwakarma Yojana, Khadi Subsidies |
Major Transport Update: Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat
During the event, Dr. Jitendra Singh shared a significant infrastructure update for the region:
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Launch Date: The Vande Bharat Express service between Jammu and Srinagar is scheduled to commence on April 30, 2026.
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Capacity: The train will feature an increased number of coaches to accommodate the high demand for connectivity between the two cities.
The Minister thanked the Prime Minister for prioritizing J&K’s infrastructure, noting that the expansion of the rail network into the Kashmir Valley marks a historic milestone in national integration.
