LG Manoj Sinha addresses “Self-Reliant India Fund Outreach” event at Srinagar
Srinagar,: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the first-ever “Self-Reliant India (SRI) Fund Outreach” event held in Srinagar.
Congratulating the Union Ministry of MSME, NSIC Venture Capital Fund Limited (NVCFL), Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), and the Department of Industries and Commerce for organizing the event, the Lt Governor described it as a landmark initiative to connect J&K’s startups and MSME entrepreneurs with venture capital firms and institutional investors.
“We must leverage our existing strengths, improve infrastructure, and build strong linkages between J&K’s industrial ecosystem and national financial institutions to bridge the funding gap for MSMEs and startups,” the Lt Governor said.
Highlighting the importance of the event, he said it would raise awareness about the SRI Fund and its role in providing equity support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and startups. The SRI Fund, launched under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, is a ₹50,000 crore Fund of Funds Scheme aimed at promoting growth-oriented MSMEs through a Mother Fund–Daughter Fund structure, extending venture capital support to emerging regions like J&K.
“Entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers gathered here today mark the beginning of a new era for startups and small-scale industries in Jammu and Kashmir. The investors of J&K will directly benefit from the reforms being implemented under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, as part of the vision for a self-reliant India,” the Lt Governor said.
Urging venture capitalists and investors to recognize the capabilities of J&K’s entrepreneurs and the region’s business potential, he said, “Industrial development, rejuvenation of startups, and MSME growth in Jammu and Kashmir are not merely business initiatives—they are duties towards the nation. The collective efforts of investors will play a vital role in accelerating J&K’s economic growth.”
The Lt Governor also called for extending better resources and opportunities to young and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Union Territory.
The event was attended by Ms. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of MSME, Government of India; Shri Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, J&K; Dr. Subhranshu Sekhar Acharya, Chairman, NVCFL; Shri Akshay Labroo, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Shri Khalid Jahangir, Director JKEDI; Shri Mussarat Zia, Director Handicrafts & Handlooms, Kashmir; senior officials, venture capitalists, investors, MSME representatives, and entrepreneurs.
