Baramulla: A two-day mega job fair, held at the Chinar Youth Upliftment & Vocational Assistance (YUVA) Centre in Baramulla, witnessed an overwhelming response from thousands of job seekers.
Organized jointly by the Indian Army and the District Administration through the District Employment & Counseling Centre (DECC) and Model Career Centre (MCC), the event on August 19-20 aimed to bridge the gap between job seekers and providers, creating a dynamic platform for employment opportunities.
The job fair featured a diverse array of employers, including prominent private companies, government agencies, and entrepreneurs. The event offered a wide range of job openings, training programs, and skill development initiatives tailored to meet the aspirations and skills of the local youth. The fair focused on sectors such as healthcare, IT, education, hospitality, insurance, and marketing, with a particular emphasis on aligning job opportunities with the growing industries in Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.
A total of 31 private companies participated, offering 1,356 vacancies, alongside 15 government departments implementing over 17 self-employment schemes. Additionally, three skill training institutes were present to provide on-the-spot registration for skill enhancement courses and certifications, making the youth more competitive in the job market.
The event was graced by several high-profile dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, AVSM, SM, GOC, 15 Corps, and Maj. Gen. Rajesh Sethi, SM, VSM, GOC, Dagger Division, who praised the efforts of Chinar YUVA in organizing such a successful job fair. They highlighted the invaluable opportunities it provided to both job seekers and employers. Shri Minga Sherpa, Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, also lauded the collaboration between the Indian Army and Civil Administration, especially the District Employment & Counseling Centre, for creating an impactful event that has the potential to transform the lives of many young people in Baramulla.
In addition to job placements, the fair featured live interviews, both on-site and online, with companies like Sterling Hotels and Hosteller opting for video conferencing to conduct interviews. Career guidance and counselling sessions were also available, helping attendees align their interests with available job opportunities.
The fair concluded with remarkable success, with 819 young attendees securing jobs and many others shortlisted for further interviews. Additionally, numerous participants enrolled in training programs designed to enhance their employability.
Ishrat, a young woman who attended the fair, shared her excitement: “I was looking for a job in the hospitality sector, and my interview went very well. This mela has opened my eyes to many job opportunities and self-employment options. I’ll be bringing my sisters and friends tomorrow for on-the-spot registration.” Aabid, another local aspirant, added, “The process was very smooth. We thank Chinar YUVA, the district employment authorities, and the Indian Army for this mela.”
