SRINAGAR: Union Secretary Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), V Srinivas held detailed deliberations with the CEO and team of Prime Minister’s Award-winning Mission Youth, Jammu and Kashmir for its national significance and replication in other states for youth empowerment. He shared the personal vision of the Prime Minister for supporting the Mission Youth in Jammu and Kashmir in view of outstanding achievements in youth engagement.
Srinivas complemented CEO Mission Youth Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary for leading an innovative and outstanding initiative over the last two years in Jammu and Kashmir which was selected for the Prime Minister’s Award out of 2520 projects screened at the national level and stood apart as the most innovative model of the whole of the Government approach. He underlined the significance of this achievement acknowledged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself and appreciated the unique initiatives for youth empowerment.
He reviewed various schemes of Mission Youth and held detailed interactions with the CEO of Mission Youth, Secretaries, Deputy Commissioners, District Nodal Officers, and also beneficiaries of various schemes. He also conducted a firsthand assessment of digital applications used for the online delivery of services and youth outreach.
CEO Mission Youth, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who has received the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration thrice, briefed the Secretary DARPG and made a detailed presentation highlighting the schemes like Mumkin, Tejaswini, Spurring Entrepreneurship Initiative, Parvaz and other projects under Mission Youth. He highlighted the role played by secretaries of stakeholder departments, Deputy Commissioners as heads of DLTF, Employment Departments, Banks, Universities, and other institutions.
Secretary, Youth Services and Sport, Sarmad Hafeez made a presentation about massive youth participation under LG Rolling Trophy and various other sports initiatives launched in coordination with Mission Youth. He underscored the approach of convergence between departments ensured for effective youth engagement.
Secretary, Employment, Rehana Batool elaborated on the role played by the District Employment & Counselling Centres in coordination with departments, spreading awareness, and undertaking youth engagement programme. District officers of the department also shared their experiences.
Deputy Commissioner and Chairman DLTF Bandipora Dr Owais Ahmed discussed the proactive approach adopted by the district administration in empowering youth through Skilling, education, entrepreneurship, and offering opportunities through competing initiatives. He shared success stories from various areas of the district and engagement ensured at the village level for popularising various schemes, initiatives, and programs.
Director JKEDI Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, Director Employment Nisar Ahmed Wani, Director CCPS Kashmir University Prof Geer Mohammad Ishaq, Addl DC Kulgam, Dy Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Dy Director and OSDs of Mission Youth, Deputy Directors Employment, Consultant and Counsellors associates with Mission Youth held an engaging interaction with Secretary DARPG and shared their experiences. Beneficiaries from various schemes and youth volunteers also shared their experiences and responded to queries of Secretary DARPG.
