In a bid to support the youth affected by violence and unrest, the Jammu & Kashmir government is running a transformative scheme that offers financial assistance of up to ₹2 lakh to eligible individuals between 18 to 40 years of age. Uniquely, this scheme comes without any income limit, making it accessible to all eligible candidates regardless of their financial background.
The initiative is officially named SAHYATA — short for Sympathetic Assistance and Handholding for Youth Transformation and Amelioration. This government scheme is specially designed to empower youth who have lost a family member due to terrorism, border firing, or bomb blasts. It also covers those who have been left physically disabled (over 50% disability) due to such violent incidents.
The primary goal is to help affected youth rebuild their lives through self-employment opportunities. By providing financial backing, the government aims to encourage economic independence and stability among victims’ families, particularly in violence-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
One of the most attractive features of this scheme is that there is no income restriction. Whether the applicant is from a lower or middle-income family, they can still benefit from the scheme. The government provides financial aid of up to ₹2 lakh, depending on the cost of the proposed business.
If the project cost is less than ₹2 lakh, the actual cost is covered.
If the cost exceeds ₹2 lakh, the remaining amount must be arranged by the applicant.
The aid is disbursed in two installments:
First Installment at the time of business setup.
Second Installment after three months, upon submission of startup documentation.
The scheme covers a wide range of entrepreneurial and agricultural activities, including:
Manufacturing and Service Units (e.g., food processing, small restaurants)
Retail Stores and IT Service Centers
Floriculture and allied activities
Agricultural and horticultural farms
Fishery and animal husbandry, including feed shops and poultry farms
Silk production and sericulture units
Tourism agencies and travel support services
Waste management enterprises
Dairy farming and sale of milk products
Eco-friendly product manufacturing, like biodegradable items and craft paper
Anyone involved in violence, stone pelting, or unlawful activities is strictly excluded from the benefits of this scheme. A clearance certificate from local authorities is mandatory, confirming the applicant has no record of involvement in such acts.
To apply, eligible candidates must submit the following documents to the Deputy Commissioner’s office within two years of the incident:
Death Certificate of the affected family member
Aadhaar Card
Domicile Certificate
Birth Certificate
Unemployment Certificate
No Involvement in Violence Certificate (from the administration)
Once verified, the funds are transferred directly to the applicant’s bank account.
The SAHYATA scheme is a commendable effort by the Jammu & Kashmir administration to rehabilitate and empower the youth affected by conflict. With no income cap, flexible usage across various sectors, and direct financial aid, the initiative is helping hundreds stand on their own feet and build a sustainable future.
