Government Degree College (GDC) Zanskar organised an expert talk on the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), entrepreneurship and self-employment in collaboration with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) on October 28. The programme was organised under the supervision of Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi, Principal, GDC Zanskar. 

During the programme, Balwinder Singh, (former Director, Entrepreneurship Training and Rural Development (ETRD)) highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship, private-sector employment and self-employment as viable alternatives to government jobs. He emphasised that limited government vacancies make it essential for young people to explore alternative career opportunities and become employment generators rather than merely job seekers.

Narinder Singh, (Deputy Director, ETRD) explained the objectives of PMEGP, the financial assistance available under the scheme, eligibility requirements and the application procedure. Tsering (LDM, Bank Manager, Zanskar) elaborated on the role of banks, including SBI, in facilitating financial assistance and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs through the loan application process.

Dr. Munir Wani (District Progamme Manager, LDRM) discussed rural employment generation and women’s empowerment, emphasising the contribution of Self-Help Groups (SHGs) towards promoting entrepreneurship, financial independence and sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Amjad Ali Abassi, Principal, GDC Zanskar, encouraged students to take advantage of such awareness programmes and explore government-supported schemes for establishing their own enterprises. He stressed the importance of skill development, innovation and self-reliance in creating employment opportunities and contributing to the socio-economic development of Zanskar.

Dr. Jamphel Sheyan expressed gratitude to the resource persons, the Principal, faculty members and students for their participation and contribution to the successful conduct of the event.