JAMMU: Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, on Wednesday reiterated that youth empowerment remains at the core of the Omar Abdullah-led government’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir.
He was addressing a meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Students’ Union (JKNCSU) at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan, Jammu. The programme was organised and chaired by JKNCSU President Harshvardhan Singh.
Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta attended the function as Guest of Honour, while JKNCSU Working President Arun Pal Singh, Provincial Secretary Jammu Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, former minister and Central Zone President Babu Rampal, besides several student leaders, were also present.
Addressing the gathering, Javed Rana highlighted various youth-centric initiatives undertaken by the elected government to address unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship and create opportunities for the younger generation.
“The Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to transforming the aspirations of our youth into opportunities. Through Mission YUVA, expanded self-employment schemes, enhanced sports infrastructure and a youth-focused budget, we are laying the foundation for sustainable employment, innovation and economic empowerment. Our objective is to ensure that every young person in Jammu and Kashmir has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region’s development,” he said.
The minister said that Mission YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan) aims to facilitate the establishment of nearly 1.37 lakh enterprises and generate around 4.25 lakh jobs over the next five years through entrepreneurship support, financial assistance, skill development and mentoring.
Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta stressed the importance of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and linked it to the aspirations of the youth.
“Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision to take the statehood movement to New Delhi reflects the collective aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Restoration of statehood is essential for creating a more responsive administration capable of addressing the employment, educational and developmental concerns of our youth,” Gupta said.
Earlier, JKNCSU President Harshvardhan Singh welcomed the guests and apprised the minister of various issues concerning students, JKSSB and JKPSC aspirants, unemployed youth and emerging entrepreneurs.
“The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to contribute positively to society, but they require timely recruitment processes, transparent opportunities and institutional support. We have conveyed the concerns of students, competitive examination aspirants and budding entrepreneurs, and we are confident that the government will continue to address these issues with seriousness and sensitivity,” he said.
The programme witnessed active participation from students and youth representatives who discussed a range of issues related to education, employment, entrepreneurship and youth welfare.
Among those present were former MLA Bimla Luthra, Provincial Secretary Jammu Pardeep Bali, SC Cell Chairman Vijay Lochan, OBC Cell Chairman Abdul Gani Teli, Vice President Central Zone Rakesh Singh Raka, senior leader Laxmi Datta, Vice President Central Zone Dilshad Malik, District President Jammu Rural-A Vikas Choudhary and several student leaders and party functionaries.
