The Jammu and Kashmir Working Women Council and the J&K Entrepreneur Council have been merged to form a single platform aimed at supporting entrepreneurship and professional development across the Union Territory.
The first meeting of the merged council was held in Srinagar on 24 November at Butterfly Houseboat, Saderbal Dargah, under the banner of Chairperson Saba Bhat.
Members from both organisations attended the meeting and discussed how the merger would help create a more coordinated structure for both women and men entrepreneurs, professionals and emerging business owners.
Chairperson Saba Bhat said the unified council would work to strengthen entrepreneurial activities in Jammu and Kashmir by bringing together individuals from diverse fields. She said the decision to merge was taken after extensive consultations within both groups.
Bhat added that the new council would organise capacity-building programmes, training sessions and platforms that link entrepreneurs to markets, institutions and financial avenues. She said district-level chapters would help the council identify challenges faced by individuals who are trying to set up or expand their ventures.
Participants at the meeting said the merger would help avoid duplication of work and enable the council to operate with a clearer vision under one umbrella.
Several members shared suggestions related to skill development, mentorship, legal awareness and support for start-ups.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem in urban and rural areas and create opportunities for people across Jammu and Kashmir who are pursuing business or professional growth.
