Union Minister Jitendra Singh Highlights Jammu and Kashmir's Vast Potential in Leather Goods Industry

The leather goods industry in Jammu and Kashmir holds immense potential, according to Union Minister Jitendra Singh. He emphasised that proper training can greatly enhance economic growth and create job opportunities. Singh made these remarks at an event where he launched a training programme focused on leather goods manufacturing for women entrepreneurs.

Representative image

This initiative aims to empower women by offering skill development in the leather sector. Organised by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu, the programme receives financial backing from Central Electronic Limited (CEL) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts. The region's abundant raw materials, traditional craftsmanship, and rising demand for handmade leather products make it ideal for such initiatives.

Focus on Skill Development

Minister Singh highlighted that this training could significantly boost economic growth and provide livelihoods, particularly for unemployed women. He noted the collaboration between CSIR-IIIM, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI), and CEL as a unique effort to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

The programme is designed to empower women in the region, with expectations of substantial benefits for startups registered under the Atal Innovation Centre at CSIR-IIIM. Singh stressed the importance of skill development in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

Comprehensive Training Programme

Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, provided details about the training programme. It covers various aspects of leather goods manufacturing, including design, production, and marketing. The goal is to equip women with the skills needed to establish their own startups and business enterprises.

This initiative not only aims to empower women but also seeks to strengthen the local economy by tapping into the region's potential in the leather industry. By providing necessary skills and resources, it hopes to foster entrepreneurship and self-reliance among women in Jammu and Kashmir.

The collaborative effort between these organisations underscores a commitment to developing a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. This approach is expected to create new opportunities for women entrepreneurs and contribute positively to the region's economic landscape.