Jammu and Kashmir Government Schemes and Services – Complete Guide

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) became a Union Territory with a legislature on 31 October 2019, following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The UT has an elected government headed by a Chief Minister, with a Lieutenant Governor as the constitutional head. J&K's administration runs numerous welfare schemes spanning livelihood, women's empowerment, healthcare, housing, skill development, agriculture, and tourism. This guide covers every major J&K government scheme with eligibility, benefits, and how to apply.

Key Government Portals

• J&K Official Portal – jk.gov.in – Main government website for all departments and notifications
• JanSugam Portal – jansugam.jk.gov.in – Single-window e-Services platform for certificates, permissions, and government services
• J&K e-Services (UMANG) – umang.gov.in – Pan-India portal offering J&K e-Services
• J&K GAD – jkgad.nic.in – General Administration Department portal
• JKPSC – jkpsc.nic.in – J&K Public Service Commission for government recruitment exams
• J&K Bank – jkbank.com – Major banking partner for scheme disbursements

Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Schemes

Mumkin Scheme (Livelihood Generation)

Mumkin ("possible" in Urdu) is J&K's flagship livelihood scheme aimed at providing self-employment to youth through commercial vehicle ownership.

Key features:

• Subsidy of up to ₹80,000 on purchase of small commercial vehicles
• Targets unemployed youth aged 18–35 years
• Vehicle loan facilitated through J&K Bank
• Beneficiary must be a permanent resident/domicile of J&K
• Vehicles include load carriers, passenger vehicles, and tempos

How to apply: Apply through the District Employment and Counselling Centre or the concerned district administration office.

Hausla Scheme (Women Entrepreneurs)

The Hausla scheme encourages women entrepreneurship in J&K by providing financial and institutional support for women-led enterprises.

Key features:

• Financial assistance and subsidised loans for women starting or expanding businesses
• Incubation support and mentoring through DIC (District Industries Centre)
• Covers manufacturing, services, handicrafts, food processing, and agri-enterprises
• Special focus on women in remote and border areas
• Linkage with J&K Bank and other financial institutions for credit support

How to apply: Register through the District Industries Centre (DIC) or the Department of Industries and Commerce, J&K.

Tejaswini Scheme (Young Women Empowerment)

Tejaswini is a dedicated scheme for young women in J&K, providing soft loans to help them become self-reliant.

Key features:

• Loan of up to ₹5 lakh at subsidised interest rate
• For women aged 18–35 years
• Applicable for setting up small business, pursuing higher education, or skill training
• Loan facilitated through J&K Bank
• No collateral required for loans up to ₹5 lakh
• Must be a domicile of J&K

How to apply: Visit the nearest J&K Bank branch with your domicile certificate, Aadhaar card, business plan or admission letter, and bank account details. See also: Aadhaar Card – How to Apply

Skill Development and Employment

Himayat – Skill Training for Youth

Himayat (meaning "support") is a placement-linked skill development programme under the Ministry of Rural Development, implemented in J&K to train and place youth in organised-sector jobs.

Key features:

• Free skill training in sectors like IT, retail, hospitality, healthcare, BFSI, and construction
• Training duration: 3–12 months depending on the trade
• Stipend provided during training
• Guaranteed placement assistance after course completion
• Targets youth aged 18–35, with preference for BPL families and rural youth
• Over 1 lakh youth targeted for training and placement

How to apply: Register through the Himayat portal or contact the District Skill Employment Centre.

JKPSC Examinations

The Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) conducts recruitment examinations for gazetted and non-gazetted posts in the UT government.

Key exams:

• J&K Combined Competitive Examination (KAS) – Equivalent to UPSC for J&K administrative services
• J&K Medical Officer recruitment
• Assistant Professor and Lecturer recruitment
• Junior Scale JKAS and various departmental exams

How to apply: Visit jkpsc.nic.in, register for One-Time Registration (OTR), and apply for notified posts. See also: Admit Card Download Guide

J&K SSRB (Services Selection Recruitment Board)

JKSSRB handles recruitment for Class IV and non-gazetted posts. Apply through jkssb.nic.in.

Healthcare Schemes

Ayushman Bharat – SEHAT Scheme

Ayushman Bharat – Social Endeavour for Health and Telemedicine (SEHAT) extends universal health coverage to all residents of J&K, going beyond the national PMJAY eligibility criteria.

Key features:

• Health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family per year
• Covers all residents of J&K – universal coverage (not limited to SECC data like PMJAY)
• Cashless treatment at empanelled government and private hospitals
• Covers hospitalisation, surgery, diagnostics, and follow-up care
• Golden Card (Ayushman Card) required for availing benefits

How to apply: Visit the nearest Ayushman Bharat centre, Common Service Centre (CSC), or empanelled hospital with Aadhaar, domicile, and ration card. See also: Ayushman Bharat Card – Apply Online | ABHA Health ID

PMJAY in J&K

The national Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) is also applicable in J&K alongside SEHAT. Eligible families under SECC data get automatic coverage. See: Ayushman Bharat vs State Health Schemes

Housing Schemes

PMAY – Gramin and Urban (J&K)

The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) is implemented in J&K under both Gramin (rural) and Urban components to provide pucca houses to homeless and kutcha-house-dwelling families.

Key features:

• PMAY-G (Rural): ₹1.30 lakh assistance in plains, ₹1.50 lakh in hilly/difficult areas (J&K qualifies for higher amount)
• PMAY-U (Urban): Subsidy of ₹2.67 lakh under CLSS for EWS/LIG categories
• Beneficiary selection through SECC data and Awaas+ survey
• DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) to beneficiary's bank account

How to apply: Apply through the Gram Panchayat (rural) or Urban Local Body (urban). Check eligibility at pmaymis.gov.in. See also: PMAY Apply Online Guide

Agriculture and Horticulture Schemes

Apple Industry Support

J&K produces over 75% of India's apples, and the government runs several schemes to support apple growers:

• High-Density Apple Plantation Scheme – Subsidy for establishing high-density orchards with imported rootstock
• Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) – Minimum price support during glut seasons
• Cold Storage and CA Store subsidies – Under MIDH for post-harvest infrastructure
• Apple transport subsidy – Freight support for transporting apples to distant markets

Contact the Department of Horticulture, J&K or visit the nearest Horticulture Development Office.

Saffron Mission

J&K accounts for nearly all of India's saffron production (primarily in Pampore, Pulwama district). The National Saffron Mission provides:

• Rejuvenation of saffron fields through drip irrigation and soil treatment
• GI-tagged "Kashmir Saffron" protection and branding support
• Subsidy on corm procurement and planting material
• Training for saffron growers on modern techniques

Handicraft and Handloom Schemes

J&K's handicraft sector (Pashmina, Papier-mâché, Walnut wood, Carpet weaving) receives support through:

• Artisan Credit Card – Loans up to ₹2 lakh at subsidised rates through J&K Bank
• Design and Technology Upgradation – Training through Indian Institute of Carpet Technology, Srinagar
• Marketing support – Participation in national/international trade fairs, GI tagging for Kashmir Pashmina and Kani Shawl
• Craft Development Institute (CDI) – Skill training and certification for young artisans

Power and Utilities

JKPDD (J&K Power Development Department)

The J&K Power Development Department (previously PDD, now restructured) manages electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the UT.

Key services:

• Online bill payment through jkpdd.in or jkpddcl.in
• New connection application
• Complaint registration and outage tracking
• Prepaid smart metering (being rolled out across J&K)
• Subsidy for BPL households on electricity consumption

Saubhagya Scheme: Free electricity connections to all remaining un-electrified households under the central Saubhagya scheme.

J&K Bank Schemes

J&K Bank, the premier financial institution of the UT, offers several government-linked schemes:

Visit jkbank.com or the nearest branch for application details.

Domicile Certificate Process

The J&K Domicile Certificate is a crucial document required for government jobs, educational admissions, and scheme eligibility within the UT.

Eligibility for J&K Domicile:

• Resided in J&K for 15+ years, OR
• Studied in J&K for 7+ years, OR
• Appeared in Class 10 or 12 exams from a J&K-based institution, OR
• Registered as a migrant by the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner

Documents required:

• Aadhaar card – See: Aadhaar Card Apply Guide
• 10th/12th mark sheet from a J&K educational institution
• Proof of residence (ration card, electricity bill, etc.)
• Passport-size photographs

How to apply: Apply through the JanSugam Portal (jansugam.jk.gov.in) or the office of the concerned Tehsildar. The certificate is issued by the Deputy Commissioner's office.

Tourism and Employment

J&K's tourism sector is a major employment generator. Key government initiatives:

• Registration of homestays and guest houses – Simplified online registration to promote rural tourism
• Skill training for tourism workers – Through J&K Tourism Development Corporation and Himayat
• Pilgrimage tourism support – Infrastructure development for Amarnath Yatra, Vaishno Devi, and Sufi shrines
• Adventure tourism promotion – Subsidies for starting adventure tourism ventures (trekking, skiing, water sports)
• Back to Village / My Town My Pride – Government outreach programmes reaching every panchayat with scheme information and on-the-spot registrations

Important Helplines

How to Apply for J&K Government Schemes

Most J&K government schemes follow a common application process:

1. Check eligibility – Visit the official scheme page on jk.gov.in or the concerned department website
2. Gather documents – Domicile certificate, Aadhaar card, income certificate, bank passbook, passport photos. See: Documents Required Guide
3. Register on JanSugam – Create an account on jansugam.jk.gov.in for certificate and e-service applications
4. Apply online or offline – Some schemes accept online applications; others require visiting the District Office, DIC, or BDO office
5. Track application – Use the JanSugam portal or the concerned department's tracking system
6. Receive benefits – Subsidy/assistance credited to your bank account via DBT

Pro tip: Keep your Aadhaar linked to your bank account for seamless DBT. See: Aadhaar Linking Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is J&K a state or a Union Territory?

J&K is a Union Territory with a legislature since 31 October 2019. It has an elected government with a Chief Minister and a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the Centre. Ladakh was carved out as a separate UT without a legislature.

Who is eligible for J&K domicile certificate?

Anyone who has resided in J&K for 15+ years, studied for 7+ years in J&K institutions, or appeared for Class 10/12 exams from J&K is eligible. Kashmiri migrants registered with the Relief Commissioner also qualify.

How can I apply for Tejaswini scheme?

Visit the nearest J&K Bank branch with your domicile certificate, Aadhaar card, and a business plan or admission letter. The scheme provides loans up to ₹5 lakh for women aged 18–35.

Is Ayushman Bharat available in J&K?

Yes. J&K has the Ayushman Bharat – SEHAT scheme which provides universal health coverage of ₹5 lakh per family to ALL residents of J&K, not just SECC-listed families.

How do I check JKPSC exam notifications?

Visit jkpsc.nic.in regularly and complete One-Time Registration (OTR). Notifications for KAS, Medical Officer, and other posts are published on the website.

What schemes are available for apple growers in J&K?

Apple growers can avail the High-Density Plantation Scheme, Market Intervention Scheme, cold storage subsidies, and transport subsidies. Contact the Department of Horticulture or the nearest Horticulture Development Office.

How do I apply for PMAY in J&K?

For PMAY-Gramin, apply through your Gram Panchayat. For PMAY-Urban, apply through the Urban Local Body or online at pmaymis.gov.in. J&K qualifies for higher assistance (₹1.50 lakh) under the hilly area category.

Can non-domiciles apply for J&K government schemes?

Most J&K-specific schemes (Mumkin, Tejaswini, Hausla) require a J&K domicile certificate. However, centrally-sponsored schemes like PMAY, PMJAY, and MUDRA are available to all eligible Indian citizens residing in J&K.