Srinagar: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Saturday stressed the need to equip students with modern skills and training for future-ready jobs to ensure sustainable livelihood opportunities and overall youth empowerment.
He made these remarks during visits to various Government Polytechnic Colleges and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Srinagar to assess academic activities, infrastructure, and facilities being provided under different skill development programmes.
During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected Government Polytechnic College, Gogji Bagh; Government Polytechnic College for Women, Bemina; and ITI Bemina. He reviewed the functioning of the institutions, ongoing training programmes, laboratory facilities, and infrastructural requirements.
Emphasising the importance of practical learning, Surinder Choudhary directed the concerned authorities to equip laboratories and workshops with modern machinery and advanced gadgets. He also stressed the need for introducing market-oriented courses aligned with present and future industry demands.
Highlighting the significance of industry exposure, the Deputy Chief Minister called for stronger linkages between educational institutions and reputed industries to facilitate internships, training, and placement opportunities for students.
“There is a need to provide market access and suitable platforms to our talented students for showcasing the products and skilled work they produce,” he said.
Interacting with students, the Deputy Chief Minister urged them to take advantage of opportunities available under Mission YUVA and work towards becoming self-reliant entrepreneurs.
“Under Mission YUVA, youth can avail loans up to ₹10 lakh without mortgage or guarantor requirements. Work hard, utilise these opportunities, and become successful entrepreneurs,” he said.
At Government Polytechnic College, Gogji Bagh, he assessed the institution’s academic environment and stressed the need to strengthen technical education and improve learning facilities.
During his visit to Government Polytechnic College for Women, Bemina, he underlined the importance of equipping laboratories with the latest machinery and promoting innovative skill training to prepare students for future employment opportunities.
He also inspected the Food Processing Technology Unit and called for proper branding and marketing support for products prepared by students to improve their visibility and market reach.
The Deputy Chief Minister interacted with faculty members and students and took stock of the institution’s developmental needs.
At ITI Bemina, he inspected several training units and laboratories, including Carpet Technology, Data Operator Training, Plumbing, and Shawl Making sections.
While interacting with students there, he highlighted the need for modern infrastructure, advanced machinery, and quality skill training to enhance employability and encourage entrepreneurship among youth.
The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Director Skill Development Department, Owais Ahmad; Chief Engineer PWD Kashmir, Narinder Kumar; principals and superintendents of the concerned institutions; besides senior engineers and officers of various departments.
Later, Surinder Choudhary also visited the office of the Chief Engineer, R&B Central Kashmir, at Rajbagh Srinagar and reviewed its functioning and ongoing works.
