Describing youth the architect of future and agents of change towards positivity and betterment, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday said that schools nurture the young talent at their early age and universities give rise to best possible human resources to lead the country and address public affairs with energy and commitment.Interacting with students after unveiling the old foundation stone of the New University Campus of University of Jammu laid by Late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on December 16, 1976, the Chief Minister who is also Pro Vice Chancellor of Jammu University said that educationally prosperous Jammu and Kashmir was the dream of Late Sheikh Sahib who always held education sector as the most important concern in his life and laid strong edifice for educational development in Jammu and Kashmir.“My endeavour is to work for realization of the vision of educated Jammu and Kashmir envisioned by Late Sheikh Sahib”, he said and added that the holistic development in respect of expansion and consolidation of school and higher education during the last about five years have been phenomenally conspicuous and made the mark on ground.
“Today our universities and higher educational institutions are on road to excellence. These are emerging as educational hub attracting attention of higher education seekers from all over the country”, he said and added that introduction of modern subjects and strengthening of faculties and infrastructure has provided necessary fillip to the growth and development of higher education in the State.The Chief Minister said that he aims at creating such an educational environment in the State which would make government jobs least attractive and last choice for the educated youth. The Chief Minister said that about one lakh educated youth have been provided jobs during the last about 5 years and the process of creating job opportunities for the youth in government departments and in the private sector is on. He, however, said that the answer to employment crisis has to be found through a multi-pronged strategy on which his government is working through and through.The Chief Minister mentioned the avenues of self-employment and entrepreneurship created through the innovative initiative of SKEWPY and implementation of schemes like ‘Udaan’ and ‘Himayat’ for the youth to expand their opportunities to get jobs in the open job market. He reiterated his endeavour of handholding youth for their holistic development as above all political motives and said that whether in government or outside he will continue to work for the welfare and development of youth irrespective of any consideration.
The Chief Minister advised the students to give fullest attention towards their studies and make the universities, colleges and schools seats of excellence, moral education and best centres of human resource development. “You are my strength and the hope of the State. In your welfare and proper nurturing lies the prosperity of the State”, he told the students and expressed the hope that after completing education they would prove themselves to be the best leaders in all the fields of life.The Chief Minister also laid the foundation of Examination Block involving an estimated cost of Rs. 3.48 crores. He received the brief about the functioning of the Jammu University from the Vice Chancellor and various Heads of the Departments. He also interacted with the faculty members. The Chief Minister wished further growth and development of the University.Minister for Higher Education, Mohammad Akbar lone was accompanying the Chief Minister.