Jammu: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu along with the Industries and Commerce Department, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir inaugurated the three-day Capacity Building Programme for the Implementation of Jammu & Kashmir MSME Health Clinics on 28th April 2026 at the Arjuna Classroom, IIM Jammu Campus. The programme, being held from April 28 to 30, 2026, aims to equip government officials and stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and frameworks necessary for the effective implementation of MSME Health Clinics across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, and Shri Arun Manhas, JKAS, Director, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The training programme brought together 40 participants from diverse regions across Jammu & Kashmir.
The inaugural ceremony was also graced by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research and Programme Director; Dr. Jaganth G., Programme Director; Prof. Pranab Ranjan Das, Chairperson, Center for Small Business Development, IIM Jammu and distinguished officials from Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization and the Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. The event commenced with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and new beginnings.
In his inspiring inaugural address, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, emphasized the importance of adopting a mission-driven approach towards the implementation of MSME Health Clinics. He further highlighted that the initiative has already been seamlessly integrated with Mission YUVA, creating a robust and holistic entrepreneurial support ecosystem across Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that Mission YUVA aims to facilitate the establishment of over 1.37 lakh enterprises and generate employment opportunities for nearly 4.25 lakh youth across the Union Territory, empowering them to transition from job seekers to job creators. Referring to the vision of Shri Narendra Modi, The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, he underscored the need to shed colonial mindsets and embrace a culture rooted in service, innovation, and nation-building.
He noted that MSMEs form the backbone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to employment generation, industrial output, and exports. He commended Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, for his visionary leadership and his efforts in advancing entrepreneurship across the Union Territory. He lauded the remarkable success of Mission YUVA, which has generated substantial employment opportunities through robust institutional support and strategic financial interventions.
Underscoring the critical need to revive stressed and sick MSMEs, he stressed the importance of timely diagnosis, effective rehabilitation, and sustained handholding support. Highlighting the essence of seva bhava, he remarked that true public service lies in helping others selflessly and creating meaningful impact. He urged participants to view the programme not merely as a training exercise but as a mission with tangible outcomes, meaningful impact, and significant returns. Reaffirming IIM Jammu’s commitment to nation-building, he stated that the Institute’s vision extends far beyond management education to fostering holistic regional development.
He observed that the establishment of premier institutions such as Indian Institute of Management Jammu and Indian Institute of Technology Jammu has significantly accelerated the socio-economic transformation of the region. He called upon all participants to work collectively towards making Jammu & Kashmir one of the finest entrepreneurial and economic destinations in the world.
Addressing the gathering, Arun Manhas, JKAS, Director, Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, lauded Indian Institute of Management Jammu for emerging as a premier knowledge hub and a catalyst for transformative initiatives in the region. He noted that the programme has brought together 40 participants from across Jammu & Kashmir, each of whom will play a pivotal role as ambassadors of the MSME Health Clinic initiative in their respective districts.
He underscored the crucial responsibility of officers in identifying stressed enterprises, facilitating timely interventions, and supporting the revival, rehabilitation, and sustainable growth of MSMEs across the Union Territory.
He urged participants to make the most of this intensive training programme by acquiring practical expertise in preparing MSME diagnostic reports and sharing them with IIM Jammu, which will subsequently formulate comprehensive rehabilitation plans for the identified enterprises. He further emphasized that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is deeply committed to strengthening the MSME ecosystem through continuous capacity-building and institutional support. He expressed confidence that the knowledge and skills gained during the programme would empower participants to accelerate enterprise development, promote entrepreneurship, and significantly contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir.
Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research and Programme Director, IIM Jammu, welcomed the participants and provided an overview of the MSME Health Clinic initiative. He noted that Jammu & Kashmir’s vibrant MSME ecosystem makes this initiative highly significant. While similar models exist in states such as Telangana, IIM Jammu is developing a distinctive framework tailored to the unique needs of the Union Territory. He emphasized that the MSME Health Clinic has been seamlessly integrated with Mission YUVA to provide timely diagnosis, rehabilitation, and comprehensive handholding support to MSMEs across Jammu & Kashmir.
The programme is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills required to identify challenges, diagnose issues, and formulate effective rehabilitation strategies through practical case studies. He expressed confidence that the model developed at IIM Jammu would serve as a benchmark for effective implementation and create a multiplier effect across Jammu & Kashmir. He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and contribute towards making the initiative a grand success.
Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, presented an overview of IIM Jammu’s Executive Education and Consultancy initiatives. He shared that the Institute has successfully trained over 2,100 participants through numerous executive education programmes, serving as a vital bridge between academia, government, and industry. He encouraged participants to leverage this opportunity for collaborative learning and knowledge creation.
The inaugural session concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Jaganth G., Programme Director, who expressed gratitude to the leadership of IIM Jammu, the Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, distinguished guests, participants, and the Executive Education and Consultancy team for their invaluable support and presence. The ceremony culminated with the National Anthem, followed by a group photograph and networking over tea.
The three-day programme is expected to play a pivotal role in building institutional capacity, strengthening MSME support mechanisms, and accelerating entrepreneurial growth across Jammu & Kashmir. Through this initiative, IIM Jammu continues to reinforce its commitment to nation-building, regional development, and inclusive economic progress. The training programme is being coordinated by the Executive Education and Consultancy Office of IIM Jammu.
