Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has flagged off an Industrial Training Program on Leather Goods Manufacturing aimed at equipping women entrepreneurs in Jammu and Kashmir with essential skills in the leather sector.
The initiative, organized by the CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, is financially supported by Central Electronic Limited (CEL) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The project, titled “Employability to Women Through Skill Development and Entrepreneur Support in Manufacturing & Designing of Leather Goods and Garments,” seeks to provide women with technical expertise, boosting their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
Dr. Singh highlighted that this is the first-of-its-kind initiative where three organizations—CSIR-IIIM, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), and CEL—have collaborated to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. He praised CEL for funding this special project and acknowledged CSIR-CLRI’s role in providing technical training at its satellite center in Jalandhar.
This initiative is expected to significantly benefit startups registered under the Atal Innovation Centre at CSIR-IIIM, providing them with hands-on training in modern leather manufacturing techniques.
Dr. Singh emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has immense potential in the leather goods industry, owing to its abundant raw materials, skilled artisans, and growing demand for handcrafted leather products.
He noted that structured training programs like this can contribute to economic growth, job creation, and self-reliance, particularly among unemployed women.
Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director of CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, explained that the one-week training program will cover all aspects of leather goods manufacturing, including design, production, and marketing. Participants will receive hands-on training from industry experts at CSIR-CLRI, Jalandhar, ensuring they are equipped with modern techniques to compete in the industry.
Dr. Ahmed also stressed the importance of scientific research and innovation in boosting entrepreneurship and supporting local talent. He expressed confidence that the program would open new opportunities in the leather sector and contribute to regional economic development.
