JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today called for a comprehensive study and exploration of emerging job opportunities at the local, national and international level to enhance employment prospects for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
He made these remarks while chairing a high-level review meeting of the Skill Development Department (SDD) held at PWD Guest House, Jammu.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary, SDD, Rajiv Ranjan; Director, SDD, Owais Ahmad; the MD, Skill Development Mission, Leena Padha; Principals, Superintendents of Polytechnics and ITIs, besides other senior officers, while officers from the Kashmir region participated virtually.
Taking a comprehensive review of the department’s functioning, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the officers to conduct area-wise assessments of job markets and undertake detailed studies of employment trends at the national and international levels. He emphasised introducing the latest, innovative and job-oriented trades across ITIs and Polytechnics to meet the local industry needs and tap employment avenues in European and Middle Eastern markets. He also called for roping in reputed job consultancies and strengthening placement cells to facilitate employment-driven training programmes.
The Deputy Chief Minister asked all the Principals to proactively share ideas for launching demand-based courses aligned with the industry requirements to effectively address unemployment.
Stressing the need to bring greater vibrancy and accountability in the department, he said that performance would determine postings and career progression, not recommendations. “You are nation builders. Work with dedication and ensure our youth are skilled and employable,” he asserted.
While reviewing the functioning of Polytechnics and ITIs, he directed for seamless operations and saturation of enrolment across all trades. He emphasized inclusive skilling, instructing the officers to “ensure that underprivileged, destitute and orphaned youth are identified and enrolled in various courses and trades being offered by skill institutions.”
The Deputy Chief Minister further stressed for strengthening infrastructure across all districts and fast-tracking recruitment and promotions to address staff shortages within the department.
Earlier, Secretary SDD briefed the Deputy Chief Minister on the proposed Mission Skill Plan aimed at strengthening knowledge and training from the school level. He stated that the department seeks to create a future-ready, industry-responsive workforce through integrated and outcome-based skilling interventions.
