The Government of India, in collaboration with the Union Territory administration of Jammu and Kashmir, has launched a significant women empowerment initiative, as reported by the Pakistan News Network on February 4, 2026. This initiative, highlighted by the Women Entrepreneurship and SHG Mela hosted by the District Employment and Counseling Centre (DE&CC) in Kulgam, aims to foster economic independence and inclusive growth among women in the region. The UMEED scheme is a cornerstone of this effort, having organized over 7 lakh women across Jammu and Kashmir into self-help groups, thereby enhancing their entrepreneurial capabilities and financial autonomy. The sentiment surrounding these developments is overwhelmingly positive, with the initiatives being seen as transformative for the region's socio-economic landscape.