DC Shopian Reviews Skill Development Needs of Rural Youth, Focuses on Employment and Entrepreneurship
Shopian, June 9 (PTK): Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, on Monday chaired a review meeting to assess the skill training requirements of rural youth and strengthen convergence with Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) for enhancing employment opportunities and promoting grassroots entrepreneurship in the district.
The meeting focused on identifying local employment opportunities, mapping market-driven skill requirements and establishing effective coordination among stakeholder departments to facilitate quality training and sustainable self-employment avenues for rural youth.
Addressing the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for a structured and strategic approach towards skill mapping and market-oriented training programmes. He said that stronger convergence with RSETIs would help equip young people with relevant skills and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across the district.
The DC reviewed the various courses currently being offered through RSETIs and highlighted the importance of long-term and quality training programmes for enhancing the production and marketability of local products.
Underscoring the economic potential of traditional crafts, Shishir Gupta stressed the need to scale up the production of handicraft items and provide necessary support to artisans and entrepreneurs associated with the sector.
He also highlighted the crucial role of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), particularly women-led enterprises, in driving rural economic growth and entrepreneurship.
To transform skills into viable business opportunities, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to facilitate the establishment of micro-production units across the district. He identified garlic processing units and pickle-making units as immediate priority areas for promotion under self-employment initiatives.
The meeting also discussed targeted distribution of high-yielding seeds, improved rootstock management to meet local demand, facilitation of credit-linked self-employment schemes for aspiring entrepreneurs, and measures to strengthen public awareness regarding skill development programmes.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring maximum participation of rural youth in skill development initiatives and directed departments to work in coordination to achieve tangible outcomes on the ground.
Among those present at the meeting were General Manager District Industries Centre (DIC) Shurjil Naik, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Muzaffar Ahmad, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Zainapora Bilal Ahmad, Director RSETI, Chief Agriculture Officer (CAO), Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), representatives from the Employment Department, Handicrafts and Handloom Department, and other concerned officials.(PTK)
