Weaknesses in the education policy of Jammu and Kashmir were responsible for widespread unemployment in the state, experts on education and employment said on Monday.
Addressing students at Gandhi College here during theinaugural ceremony of Srinagar extension center of Institute of CostAccountants of India (ICAI), various subject experts also highlighted the lackof private sector in Kashmir.
Muhammad ShafiPandit, retired IAS officer and formerchairman, J&K Public Service Commission who was the chief guest at theevent said efforts such as creating awareness about cost and managementaccountancy can help to overcome unemployment.
“Apart from weak education policy, lack of vibrant privatesector is also reason for vast unemployment. I hope efforts of the Srinagarcenter of ICAI will show positive results. Day by day our educational setup isexpanding but we lack skill-based hands on jobs,” Pandit said.
“Students must keep an open mind towards cost accountancy.”
Delivering the keynote address, president, ICAI,AmitAnandApte said that there was a tremendous scope for cost and managementaccountants in J&K. He said in view of the interest of students, ICAI hasdecided to provide free admission and free coaching to the first batch of studentsof Kashmir for foundation, CAT and intermediate course of cost accountancysubject.
“I hope this center benefits maximum number of students.There is misconception that cracking CMA is difficult but in reality it iseasier than medicine and engineering but pursuing the course is quitechallenging,” Apte said.
“ICAI ensures that students get well placed and there havebeen cases where students received Rs 7 lakh per annum pay packages.”
Coordinator of the Srinagar centre of ICAI, Bashir Masoudisaid cost and management accountancy course has the unique feature unlike othercourses of no caste-based or other reservation.
“There are about 78,000 cost accountants in India, inKashmir there are hardly 10 and therefore there is tremendous scope for thestudents of Kashmir to opt and qualify the course to meet the industryrequirements both in public and private sector,” Masoudi said.
“In addition to main cost accountancy there are certifiedaccounts technician courses which enhance employability.”
Director, J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute,TufailMatoo said students need to move away from traditional courses to moreskill-oriented and industry specific courses.
MohiudinSangmi, dean colleges at University of Kashmir,highlighted the role of cost accountants in service and practice.
He emphasised the role of ICAI in collaboration with otherinstitutions to facilitate the aspirants.
Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Principal Gandhi College said he wasthankful to ICAI for setting up its extension center which is expected toprovide opportunities to students for pursuing the prestigious professionalcourse.
Syed Javed Iqbal Kamili, organising secretary, Gandhi College thanked the institute for providing free admission and coaching to the students.