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 SAMBA, MAY 23: The Palli Primary Agriculture Co-operative Credit Society Ltd. (PACS) today inaugurated its latest initiative — Co-operative Crumbs Bakery-n-Café — on Bishnah Road, Palli.

The venture aims to generate employment and foster self-reliance among cooperative members.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by MLA Vijaypur Chander Prakash Ganga as the Chief Guest. The event also witnessed the presence of the Joint Registrar Audit Jammu, Deputy Registrars of Samba and Jammu, Assistant Registrars from Samba, Jammu, and Kathua, along with several District Officers from Samba, including the District Animal Husbandry Officer and the District Development Manager, NABARD.

During the event, the Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies Samba briefed the guests on the functioning and achievements of Palli PACS. Guests were taken on a tour of the Sahkar Mandap, a dedicated cooperative display centre showcasing locally made products such as pickles and handcrafted suits produced by Sahkar Saheli, a women-led cooperative initiative.

In a brief interaction with the media, the MLA praised the initiative, describing it as a model of self-sustained growth aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. He lauded the role of cooperatives in generating local employment opportunities, especially for women and youth.

This initiative comes in the backdrop of the 2025 International Year of Cooperatives, reaffirming the spirit of unity and mutual support in building a more inclusive and resilient society.

 


SAMBA, MAY 22: A Mega Career Counselling Programme was organised today here at Capt. Dhruv Singh Memorial Government Girls Model Higher Secondary School to felicitate students who excelled in Class 10th and 12th exams and guide them in choosing academic and career paths after passing Matric and Higher Secondary.

The programme was attended by Deputy Commissioner Samba  Rajesh Sharma, who appreciated the efforts of students and motivated them to explore diverse career opportunities with clarity and confidence.

During the programme, 9 meritorious students were felicitated with mementos by the Deputy Commissioner. Students enthusiastically participated in interactive counselling sessions and received guidance from subject experts and officers.

The event was attended by ADC Jagdish Singh;ALC Himani; Chief Education Officer Kewal Krishan; District officer JKEDI; the School Principal, Lecturers from the School Education Department, Faculty from Polytechnic College Samba and ITI Samba, along with around 200 students from nearby schools.

 The programme concluded with the distribution of refreshments among all participants.

 


SAMBA, MAY 20: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma convened a comprehensive review meeting to assess the functioning of the Municipal Council Samba and the Municipal Committees of Vijaypur, Ramgarh and Bari Brahmana. The meeting was held in the Meeting Hall of the DC Office complex.

During the proceedings, the Executive Officers presented detailed progress reports encompassing ongoing developmental works, administrative procedures, town profiling, beautification drives, and other key urban initiatives. The Deputy Commissioner undertook a town-wise and department-wise review and issued directions for the time-bound completion of critical projects to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Special emphasis was laid on the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) - Urban 2.0, with the Deputy Commissioner directing the concerned officials to conduct regular drives for identification, verification, and execution under the scheme. Officers were also advised to remove bottlenecks to ensure timely benefits reach eligible beneficiaries.

On the sanitation front, the Deputy Commissioner underscored the importance of dedicated cleaning teams for each municipal ward, identification of proper garbage dumping sites, and systematic installation of dustbins. He further called for intensified efforts to transform Samba into a garbage-free model town, while advocating for the installation of modern urban structures, cleanliness of public toilets and urinals, and complete elimination of single-use plastic.

The DC urged all stakeholders to work in coordination, adopt best governance practices, and uphold accountability to enhance the overall urban living standards across the district.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Samba Champa Devi, Tehsildar HQ, ALC and Executive Officers of the respective Municipal Bodies.


 SAMBA, MAY 05: In a significant step towards realizing the vision of “Housing for All” under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban 2.0 (PMAY-U 2.0), the District Administration Samba conducted a comprehensive training program aimed at equipping field personnel with the skills and tools to carry out the upcoming survey targeting houseless households in urban areas.

The training program, held under the supervision of Additional District Development Commissioner Champa Devi Thakur—who also serves as the Nodal Officer for PMAY-U 2.0—brought together officials from various departments, including District Statistics & Evaluation Office, Municipal Committee Samba and Education Department. It also featured the participation of master trainers, survey supervisors, and surveyors designated for the mission.

In her inaugural address, the ADDC emphasized the critical role of accurate and diligent surveying in ensuring the success of the PMAY-U 2.0 initiative. She called upon all surveyors to uphold integrity and thoroughness in identifying genuine beneficiaries. Rupinder Kaur, District Statistics & Evaluation Officer, highlighted the importance of inter-departmental coordination for smooth execution of the program.

Key focus areas of the training included understanding scheme guidelines, mastering the survey methodology and digital tools, and ensuring that only eligible houseless households are identified for inclusion. The training aimed to bolster the operational readiness of all involved stakeholders and ensure a data-driven, transparent enrollment process.

This initiative underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive urban development. PMAY-U 2.0 targets the construction of pucca houses for 1 crore urban residents across India, aiming to bridge the housing gap and elevate the quality of life for the urban poor.

The session concluded with a reaffirmation of the administration’s dedication to timely and effective completion of the survey, ensuring that the intended benefits reach those most in need.


 SAMBA, APRIL 23: As a mark of respect and solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, officers and officials across District Samba observed a two-minute silence today. The observance was held under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma.

The administrative officers, staff, and other officials gathered to express their condolences and strongly condemn the horrific act of violence. Similar moments of silence were observed in government offices throughout the district, reflecting a unified stand against terrorism and a deep sense of grief for the lives lost.

 


Samba, 19th April 2025, Under the esteemed guidance of Mission Director NHM, Dr. Nazim Zai Khan, and Director Health Services, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar, significant efforts have been made to enhance healthcare accessibility in the Samba District.

In a commendable initiative, the Chief Medical Officer of Samba, Dr. Vidhi Bhatial, alongside Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohinder Kumar, ENT Surgeon Dr. Deepshikha Sumbria, and Audiologist Mr. Naresh Jamwal, successfully fitted and distributed 13 hearing aids to beneficiaries at the District Hospital Samba.

The event was further complemented by a valuable awareness lecture delivered by Dr. Deepshikha Sumbria emphasizing the critical importance of early diagnosis and management of hearing loss in children. The informative session aimed to educate families about available resources and support for children with hearing impairments.

Feedback from the beneficiaries was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing their gratitude for the support provided. The distribution of hearing aids marks a significant step towards improving the quality of life for those affected by hearing loss in the district.

The efforts of DEIC Manager Mr. Sushil Bhatti, along with the enthusiastic DEIC staff and the RBSK team Samba, played a pivotal role in making this initiative successful. Their dedication to enhancing pediatric healthcare is commendable and reflects the ongoing commitment to public health in the region.


 Volleyball matches held at 15 locations to promote Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

SAMBA, APRIL 12: Samba district transformed into a battlefield against substance abuse today as volleyball nets rose across 15 strategically selected locations, bringing together hundreds of youth in a powerful demonstration against drug addiction under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The district-wide initiative, orchestrated by the Samba Administration in partnership with the Social Welfare Department and Youth Services & Sports, succeeded in its dual mission of promoting athletic excellence while delivering a decisive message against the drug abuse.

The match organised at Govt. Middle School Gudwal, Vijaypur, was   inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, who applauded the enthusiasm of the players and collaborative efforts of the organizers. "What we witnessed today wasn't just a sporting event but a social revolution happening through sports," said a district official present at one of the venues.

The synchronized volleyball matches created a festival-like atmosphere across Samba, with each court becoming a center for positive engagement. Alongside the athletic competition, participants and spectators received educational materials detailing the devastating effects of substance abuse and available support resources.

The day culminated in an emotional ceremony where winners received their accolades and all participants—players and spectators alike—took a solemn pledge to maintain Samba's momentum toward becoming completely drug-free.

This initiative stands as part of Samba's ongoing comprehensive strategy to combat substance abuse through positive alternatives and community mobilisation.

 


SAMBA, APRIL 10:  District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma today reviewed the implementation and progress achieved under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) here at a meeting held in the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.

At the outset, Chief Agriculture Officer S. Madan Gopal Singh and Sectoral heads provided a comprehensive update on the progress achieved under HADP across their respective departments.

Speaking at the meeting, the DDC urged the officers to intensify efforts to reach out to farmers, ensuring their maximum participation in HADP initiatives. He emphasized the optimal utilization of available resources to achieve tangible results.

The DDC also directed the Agriculture and Allied Departments to strengthen beneficiary tracking through the Kisan Sathi Output Tracking App (KSOT) and ensure the registration of maximum farmers on the Kisan Kendra Ghar (KKG) Portal.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Samba, Champa Devi; Chief Horticulture Officer Samba; District Sheep Husbandry Officer Samba; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Samba & others.

 


SAMBA, APRIL 08: The NSS Unit "Prabha" of Government Degree College, Ramgarh organized a documentary screening to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a beacon of knowledge and social justice.

The event was conducted under the esteemed guidance of the Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Meeru Abrol, who encouraged the volunteers to follow the path of knowledge, equality, and justice as envisioned by Dr. Ambedkar. The activity was coordinated by Prof. Brahm Dutt, NSS Programme Officer, who highlighted the importance of educating students about Dr. Ambedkar's life, struggles, and contributions to the nation.

The screening aimed to instill in students the values of social equality, justice, and constitutional rights, and saw active participation from NSS volunteers. All faculty members of the college  attended the event.

 


SAMBA, MARCH 16: The much-anticipated final match of the Samba Premier T-20 Cup, organized jointly by the District Administration Samba and the Excise Department, concluded with an impressive victory of Samba 11 over District Administration Samba here at the Rani Suchet Singh Sports Stadium.

In the presence of District Magistrate Rajesh Sharma and Excise and Taxation Officer Anil Chandan, the match began on an exciting note. The atmosphere was charged with energy as both teams displayed remarkable skills and determination, making it a thrilling contest.

Batting first, Samba 11 posted a competitive total of 163/8 in 20 Overs. In response, District Administration Samba, led by Captain Abhishek Sambyal, fought hard but managed 141/9 in the allotted Overs, falling short of 22 runs despite a spirited effort.

Anku from Samba 11 emerged as the Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring a quick 49 runs off 26 balls and taking 1 wicket for 39 runs in his 4 overs.

After the match, DC Samba felicitated the players with trophies and praised their exceptional performances.

Later, DM Samba addressed the players and spectators with a strong message of "Say No to Drugs." He encouraged everyone to focus on fitness and sports, highlighting the importance of staying healthy and motivated. He assured that such tournaments will be organized on regular intervals in the district to promote a positive and active lifestyle.

The match was also attended by Tehsildar, DIO, former cricketer Surinder Bagal along with other concerned officers and local spectators, adding to the lively atmosphere of the event.

 


SAMBA, MARCH 1: District Development Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma on Saturday launched the Clean Samba Initiative on a pilot basis at Panchayat Bhaderi, promoting waste segregation at source and creation of wealth from waste. As part of the initiative, dustbins were distributed to help locals efficiently manage and recycle waste.

The launch event was attended by DDC Member Ramesh and ACP Nar Singh Dayal Verma, along with the District Social Welfare Officer, Block Development Officer, officials from the Municipal Committee and a large gathering of locals.

Speaking on the occasion, District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, emphasized the need for scientific waste disposal and highlighted that this is a total green initiative, where battery-operated autos will be used for waste collection and organic waste will be converted into manure. He further stated that this is the first-of-its-kind effort in Samba, bringing together municipal bodies and panchayats under a convergence model for effective implementation.

The Clean Samba Initiative will soon expand to other areas of the district, aiming for 100% waste management coverage. The distribution drive will be followed by an awareness campaign, where a resource person will educate locals on proper waste segregation and disposal.


 SAMBA, FEBRUARY 27: The NSS unit “Prabha” of Government Degree College, Ramgarh on Thursday started its 7 day Special Winter Camp on the theme “Women empowerment.” The camp began with a fervent inauguration ceremony initiated by the College Principal, Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra.

The camp aims to provide an opportunity to the NSS volunteers to engage in social service activities such as community outreach and environmental conservation. 

Prof. (Dr.) Geetanjali Andotra formally welcomed the resource person, Dr. Kailash Sharma, NSS Programme Officer of Government MAM PG College, Jammu, faculty members and the enthusiastic NSS volunteers. In her address, Prof. Andotra emphasized the core values of NSS, encouraging students to take part in the winter camp and embrace the spirit of social service. Quoting the NSS motto, “Not Me But You,” she highlighted the importance of working for the upliftment and betterment of society. She further stressed the need to develop empathy and compassion while participating in outreach programs and various community-driven activities, both within the college and in surrounding areas.

Dr. Kailash Sharma shared valuable insights into the significance of NSS and its role in nation-building. He explained the meaning behind the NSS logo, detailing the importance of its colors and lines. Dr. Sharma also gave a brief history of how NSS started in India and inspired the volunteers with a quote by Swami Vivekananda: "Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved." To motivate the students, he concluded with a shlok, Kaag Chesta (efforts should be similar to a crow), Bako Dhyanam (concentration of a swan), Shwan Nindra (light sleeper like a dog), Alp-ahari (light eater), Grih Tyagi (less involvement in home matters).

Prof. Brham Dutt, NSS Programme Officer coordinated the event along with the support of faculty members including Dr. Aditi Khajuria,  Ashok Kumar, Dr. Shivali Panjgotra, Dr. Neeraj, Dr. Susheel Kumar,  Anjali, Priya Sharma,  Sayema and  Darpan Malhotra.  Alisha, a NSS Volunteer, outlined the comprehensive schedule of activities planned for the camp, setting the stage for an enriching experience ahead.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by NSS volunteer, Jagmeet Kaur, who expressed gratitude to all the guests, volunteers and the faculty for making the event a grand success.


 SAMBA, FEBRUARY 21: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma  today chaired a high-level meeting at the District Administrative Complex  to review the arrangements for the smooth conduct of   the forthcoming Maha Shivratri festival.

The meeting focused on ensuring seamless coordination among departments to facilitate devotees and maintain law and order.

Deputy Commissioner Sharma directed the concerned officials to ensure adequate water and power supply, proper sanitation, efficient traffic management and medical aid facilities at key religious sites. Special emphasis was laid on illuminating temples and surrounding areas to enhance the festive spirit and ensure the safety of devotees.

The Tourism Department was instructed to provide necessary facilities for visiting pilgrims, while law enforcement agencies were asked to strengthen security arrangements and manage crowd control effectively.

The DC urged all stakeholders to work proactively and address any last-minute issues to ensure a peaceful and joyous Maha Shivratri celebration for devotees.

Senior officers including Additional District Development Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue and officers from various departments including Police, PWD (R&B), Health, Fire & Emergency Services, PHE, PDD, Municipality and Tourism among others participated in the discussions.


 SAMBA, FEBRUARY 21: A Capacity Building workshop on Digital Literacy and Virtual Hub was conducted today for Science Teachers here at Panchayat Ghar Palli in Block Bari Brahmana.

The program was organized under the Village Development Plan of Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY by the JKSTIC (Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council), in collaboration with the Rural Development Department.

The training featured insightful guest lectures by Dr. Shubnandan Jamwal, Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and IT and Dr. Jaswinder Singh, Deputy Director (Technical), NIELIT Jammu. They provided in-depth sessions on digital literacy, virtual learning platforms, and the role of technology in modern education.

Additionally, they educated participants on the phishing attacks, cyber security measures, and the rising number of cyber scams occurring in India, emphasizing the importance of online safety and digital awareness among educators.

While the training promoted the integration of technology in education, experts also discussed the downsides of excessive technology use. To counter these challenges, participants were encouraged to adopt digital well-being practices, such as balancing screen time, using technology mindfully, and promoting offline activities for holistic learning.

The Guest of Honour, Shruti Khanna, District Coordinator, JKSTIC, Department of Science and Technology, highlighted the significance of digital transformation in education, particularly in rural areas.

Science teachers from Govt. High School Palli, Govt. Middle School Palli, Govt. Higher Secondary School Birpur, Govt. High School Bari Brahmana, Govt. Middle School Bari Brahmana and Govt. Primary School Teli Basti actively participated in the program, gaining hands-on experience with various e-learning tools and innovative teaching methodologies. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of promoting digital empowerment in rural areas, ensuring that educators can effectively leverage technology to enhance the learning experience.

The event concluded with an interactive session, where participants sharing their experiences and the need for more such training programs to enhance their digital competencies and awareness of cyber security threats.

 


SAMBA, FEBRUARY 18: The District Administration Samba has disbursed Rs 48.38 Lakh (Forty Eight Lakh Thirty Eight Thousand and One hundred) under different schemes of J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

As per Assistant Labour Commissioner, Himani Jerath the amount has been disbursed among 800 registered construction workers (Card holders) by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma under different schemes of J&K Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.

At the event, the Deputy Commissioner impressed upon the workers   engaged in any construction activity in district Samba to enroll for the scheme and avail all benefits which is provided by the construction workers Board, JKBOCWWB.


SAMBA, FEBRUARY 18: Deputy Commissioner Samba Rajesh Sharma, today inaugurated the Samba Premier T20 Cup at Rani Suchet Singh Stadium, marking the beginning of an exciting cricketing event aimed at youth engagement and social transformation.

Organized by the District Administration Samba in collaboration with the Excise Department, the tournament features 16 teams and more than 200 young cricketers from across the district.

DC Rajesh Sharma kicked off the event by tossing for the inaugural match and interacting with the players.

"This tournament is more than just a game; it's a step towards channeling youth energy into positive pursuits. Sports foster discipline, teamwork, and a healthy lifestyle, helping us build a stronger community," said the DC.

As part of the district’s initiative to combat drug abuse and promote sports culture, the tournament sets a precedent for future events encouraging youth participation.

The inauguration was attended by ADC Jagdish Singh, along with other district officers.


 SAMBA, JANUARY 30: Additional Deputy Commissioner Samba, Jagdish Singh, today chaired the district-level committee meeting under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) here at the DC Office. The meeting focused on reviewing and reinforcing measures to curb drug abuse and illicit narcotic trade in the district.

The meeting was attended by Additional SP Samba Garu Ram, Chief Education Officer, SDM Vijaypur and Ghagwal, GM DIC, Chief Medical Officer, Tehsildars, district officers and other concerned officials.

Discussions centered on countering drug abuse, identifying high-risk areas and reviewing the action taken on directives from the previous NCORD meeting. Stressing the need for a comprehensive approach, the ADC directed all stakeholders to conduct awareness drives in schools, colleges, and communities, ensuring active involvement of parents to protect the youth from substance abuse.

The ADC further underscored the importance of sustained law enforcement efforts, urging agencies to intensify vigilance against drug trafficking. He asked district officers to submit a monthly progress report for the compilation of a coffee table book, documenting the administration's anti-drug initiatives.

In a significant move to curb the misuse of prescription drugs, the CCTV cameras have been installed in medical shops across the district. Additionally, officers were directed to hold regular sub-divisional meetings, install awareness signboards in Nasha Mukt Panchayats and conduct random checks on medical stores to enforce computerized billing.

 


Samba, 24th January, 2024- In a significant advancement in patient care, District Hospital Samba successfully treated a patient with a history of foreign body ingestion.

The procedure was expertly conducted by Dr. Deepshikha, who performed a 70-degree endoscopy. During this examination, the foreign body was successfully visualized and subsequently removed under general anesthesia by Dr. Anuradha Bali and Dr. Deepshikha Sumbria with the skilled assistance of Vijay Kumar, Senior OT Technician.

 

The surgery was overseen by Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohinder Kumar, with overall supervision provided by Dr. Rakesh Magotra, Director Health Services, Jammu. The Chief Medical Officer, Samba, Dr. Vidhi Bhatial, played a crucial role by offering invaluable support and guidance throughout the entire process.

 

This pioneering operation is expected to significantly benefit the residents of Samba by providing access to essential medical treatments that previously necessitated travel to Government Medical College, Jammu. With services such as endoscopic septoplasty and endoscopic tympanoplasty now available locally, patients can receive comprehensive ENT care without the burden of long-distance travel.

 

This successful intervention not only alleviated the patient's distress but also effectively reduced the potential for morbidity and the need for further referral to GMC Jammu for ongoing management. The dedicated team at DH Samba continues to demonstrate their commitment to delivering high-quality medical care to the community, ensuring that patients can access timely and effective treatment closer to home.


 SAMBA, JANUARY 24: Government Degree College Vijaypur organized a series of events to mark the celebration of 76th Anniversary of Indian Republic Day.

The NSS Unit (KHIDMAT)  organised ‘The Tiranga Rally’ under the aegis of “Nayi Chetna 3.0” and “Shikshit Bharat”.  

The Rally was flagged off by Principal of the College Dr. Vandana Verma. A large gathering of Faculty Members, NSS Volunteers and students joined in the celebrations.   The rally marched from the College campus to Patti village and concluded back on the campus.

Similarly, the Department of English of the College   organised slogan writing competition on the theme “Gender Equality: Breaking Stereotypes” under the aegis of “Nayi Chetna 3.0” and “Shikshit Bharat”.  

The students wrote meaningful slogans, conveying information regarding prevention and protection of women against sexual harassment both at workplace and homes and to ensure effective redressal of complaints of sexual harassment. The College Principal appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee and exhorted that these activities play a major role to raise awareness and educate the students about gender inequality.

First position was bagged by Ranjit Kaur of B.Sc. sem. 4; second position was secured by Mehak Sadotra of B.A sem. 6 and; third position was shared by Manvi Sharma and Muskan Sharma both of B. Sc. sem. 6

Meanwhile, the Road Safety Club of the College,  in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Sciences, organised a slogan writing competition centered around the theme "Be a Road Safety Hero."  

Nearly 20 Students showcased their creativity and understanding of road safety through compelling slogans, reflecting their commitment to becoming road safety heroes. 

The event fostered a spirit of healthy competition and collaboration, with participants exchanging ideas and learning from one another. 

The first position was clinched by Saharsh Dev Singh of B.Sc. Semester I and Second position was shared by Smriti Sharma of BA Semester II and Vishal Sharma of B.Sc. Semester IV, while third position was shared by Ranjit Kour of B.Sc. Semester IV and Palak Panotra of BA Semester IV.  


 SAMBA, JANUARY 23: The District Employment & Counseling Centre Samba successfully conducted a comprehensive Job Fair today, bringing together job seekers and prominent employers to address local employment challenges.

As many as 10 private companies including Jamkas Pharmaceuticals, Uflex Ltd, Kandhari Beverage Pvt Ltd, LIC, Guru Ji Placements, Agile Herbals participated in the fair. Over 300 job seekers registered for the event of which 62 candidates were shortlisted by participating companies

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma inaugurated the job fair and engaged with employers. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration of government departments and the private sector.

Assistant Director Employment Naresh Kumar encouraged youth participation and facilitated employer interactions.

Beyond job interviews, the event also provided crucial support to attendees including counselling on self-employment schemes including Mission YUVA, Mumkin, Tejeswini and Information about government-sponsored entrepreneurship programs. On-the-spot registration on the J&K state employment portal (http://jakemp.nic.in) was also provided.

The job fair acted as a significant step in connecting local talent with employment opportunities and promoting entrepreneurship in the region.