Senior government executives and entrepreneurs participating in a training programme together on leadership and management, which is an uncommon sight, given the type of work culture in our state, but this is how J&K Skill Development Mission (JKSDM), a government body is undertaking unique initiatives to create conducive atmosphere for the development and promotion of skill building and entrepreneurship in our state.
JKSDM has been established by Government of J&K in 2016 to bridge the skill deficit in J&K, which is one of the main reasons for higher unemployment rates in J&K. The state unemployment rate for ages 18-29 is 24.6 per cent, much higher than the national average of 13.2 per cent.
“We believe that skill building is an important tool to empower people and society and that is the reason we have started the Skill Development Mission to be the torch bearer in leading the skill development programs of the state,” said Molvi Imran Raza Ansari, Minister for Information Technology, Technical Education & YSS.
JKSDM is implementing the Pradhan Mantri Koushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) scheme in J&K, which is the flagship program of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India to provide skill training to the youth in different skill sectors such as IT, ITES, hospitality, construction, automobile technology etc. JKSDM has started the process of the empanelment of training providers and preference will be given to local training providers which will contribute in creating employment opportunities at the grassroots.
“We have kept stringent measures and conditions for the prospective training providers & we will not compromise an inch on quality compliance of the training modules/ program,” said Peer GN Suhail, Mission Director, J&K Skill Development Mission.
The state of Jammu & Kashmir has dearth of skilled labour & there is huge gap between demand and supply in the job market besides the structural mismatch of skills possessed by the youth in relation to the jobs offered in the market. In the next 3 years, JKSDM will be training 47000 youth in various skill sectors under PMKVY scheme to bridge the skill deficit and create employment opportunities for the youth.
JKSDM, apart from skill training is also guiding and mentoring candidates to choose their career & education. The training programs of JKSDM have a placement component which it is planning to handle through its career counselling and placement cells in Srinagar and Jammu. JKSDM is also guiding youth about education, scholarship and other local, national and international competitive exams and jobs opportunities. The Placement cell is also planning to organise job fairs in and outside the state.
“I had some queries and the counselling provided by the resource person at JKSDM proved beneficial. I urge the students to look forward to JKSDM for any query related to their academic and career development, told Shoiab Khan, an intern at Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell.
Seerat, a student, said, “It was an enriching experience to attend one of the counseling sessions on social sciences organized by JKSDM. Such sessions should be held on a regular basis”.
Innovation hold the key for development, with the same consideration, JKSDM has started its “TALAASH” program which till date has received 45 innovations. The idea is to identify and promote budding innovators and entrepreneurs by fostering their linkages with industry, as well as promote tourism and contribute in economic-peace building in the region.
JKSDM is also actively engaging with the youth through its social media platforms and website, and provide regular updates about its programs and the skill development scenario prevalent nowadays.
“While we are working for the betterment of the youth and society, we cannot do it alone. We need support from the cross sections of the society and we are seeking collaborations and support from the business community, academic institutions, other government and non-government organisations. The need of the hour is to provide a platform to youth where from they can give flight to their dreams and aspirations,” explained Suhail.
“The best way to ensure whether our efforts are focussed and are progressing in the right direction is by having a state level skill policy and a road map on how to inculcate the skill aptitude among our youth and provide them opportunities to grow and excel. In this regard, we are framing policies and programs to provide us the blueprint for making J&K a skilful state,” Suhail said.
Mohammad Assif is the media officer of JKSDM