Train, Skill Students for Future-Ready Jobs: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary
Srinagar, May 09 (PTK): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Friday stressed the need for equipping students with future-ready skills and training to enhance livelihood opportunities and ensure sustainable growth for youth across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Deputy Chief Minister made these remarks during his visit to various Government Polytechnic Colleges and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Srinagar to review academic activities, infrastructure and facilities being provided under different skill development programmes.
During the visit, he 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.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed authorities to equip laboratories and workshops with modern machinery and gadgets to facilitate practical training for students. He also stressed the need for introducing market-oriented courses aligned with present and future industry demands.
Emphasising industry exposure, Surinder Choudhary called for establishing linkages between educational institutions and reputed industries to facilitate internships, training and placement opportunities for students.
“The need is to provide market access and suitable platforms to our talented students for showcasing products and skilled work they produce,” he said.
During interaction with students, the Deputy Chief Minister urged them to avail benefits under Mission YUVA and become self-reliant entrepreneurs.
He informed students that under Mission YUVA, eligible youth can avail loans up to Rs 10 lakh without mortgage or guarantor requirements and encouraged them to utilise such opportunities for entrepreneurship and self-employment.
At Government Polytechnic College Gogji Bagh, he reviewed the academic environment and stressed strengthening technical education and learning facilities.
At Government Polytechnic College for Women Bemina, he inspected the Food Processing Technology Unit and called for proper branding and marketing support to promote products prepared by students. He also reviewed developmental requirements of the institution during interactions with faculty and students.
During his visit to ITI Bemina, the Deputy Chief Minister inspected various training units including Carpet Technology, Data Operator Training, Plumbing and Shawl Making sections and emphasised the need for advanced infrastructure and quality skill development to improve employability among youth.
He was accompanied by Director Skill Development Department Owais Ahmad, Chief Engineer PWD Kashmir Narinder Kumar and senior officers of the concerned departments.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister also visited the office of Chief Engineer R&B Central Kashmir at Rajbagh and reviewed its functioning and ongoing works.(PTK)
