DODA: A grand function-cum-meeting was held today at the Deputy Commissioner's Office, to mark "Big Login Day" under the Government's flagship Mission YUVA scheme.

The event focused on empowering educated unemployed youth by supporting them in launching their own ventures.

The programme was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh and witnessed the presence of Additional District Development Commissioner Roshan Lal; Deputy Director Employment and Counselling Centre Rafiq Ahmad Jaral; Zonal Head J&K Bank Arshad Qadri; Chief Planning Officer, District Social Welfare Officer and Officials from the Employment Department, DIC, DDM NABARD, LDM, NRLM, and heads of different branches of J&K Bank.

In a significant milestone, 25 loan disbursement letters were handed over to aspiring entrepreneurs-making Doda the highest disbursing district in the Union Territory under the Mission YUVA scheme to date. J&K Bank, the scheme's sole banking partner, was applauded for its prompt and dedicated role in sanctioning and disbursing the loans.

Addressing the gathering, DC Harvinder Singh appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders and shared that the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) has approved 132 new cases today, raising the total approved cases to 241-a remarkable feat that cements Doda's position as a frontrunner in implementing Mission YUVA.

He emphasized that the initiative not only promotes entrepreneurship but also plays a pivotal role in channeling the potential of the youth into productive self-employment avenues. He assured continued support in the form of training, mentoring, and regular follow-up.

Rafiq Ahmad Jaral briefed the chair on the critical role of Small Business Development Units (SBDUs) and lauded the tireless efforts of all members of SBDU and Employment Department officials who have worked relentlessly. He also tendered thanks to the Zonal Head of J&K Bank for taking lead in disbursement of loan to the beneficiaries. Earlier, Bua Ditta Branch Head JK Bank Doda has given a brief of beneficiaries.

Arshad Qadri highlighted the importance of departmental synergy and credited the success to the dynamic leadership of Deputy Commissioner Doda and coordinated efforts of the Employment Department and J&K Bank.

The event concluded with a collective pledge to uphold the spirit of Mission YUVA and continue working towards building a self-reliant, entrepreneurially vibrant youth population in the district.