Marking a tangible movement forward towards vocationalisation of education in the State, Minister for Education, Naeem Akhtar, today inaugurated the maiden College Boutique and Diet Restaurant at Women’s College Nawakadal here. Minister of State for Education, Ms Priya Sethi was also present on the occasion.The occasion also marked introduction of Paper Machie, Boutique Technology and Catering & Hospitality as vocational courses in the College.
Lauding the efforts of the students and college faculty, the Minister said that Women’s College Nawakadal has taken a lead in inculcating entrepreneurial skills among the students and this innovative academics-cum-business model needs to be emulated by other educational institutions to produce young and energetic entrepreneurs.He said such landmark initiatives will help students to be motivated and gain confidence having developed a skill that may go a long way in making them economically independent.
Highlighting the occasion as an important event marking an endeavour to help the students develop various set of skills through vocational courses, Akhtar said, “through this effort the students of this college have sent out a message that they are on a new path to rediscover themselves”.He said the subjects like Home Science ought to be used as a tool for empowerment of girl students breaking loose of the cliché, adding that vocationalisation under the ambit of such subjects is a step forward in making the students economically empowered, which is one of the priorities of the present government.The Minister also asked the college authorities to arrange for a showroom outside the college premises where various products prepared by the students of the college could be put on display and sale.
Referring to location of the college in Shehr-e-Khas, the Minister said that it is an area that has given birth to various artisans and craftsmen, the genius of whom has given masterpieces through their creativity to the world and brought recognition to Kashmir, which has been a seat of learning in the past.
The Minister said that the initiative should also be an inspiration for other educational institutions of the State to make an endeavour on similar lines.With regard to various infrastructural issues in the college, the Minister said these will be considered on priority. He announced Rs 1 crore for completion of the new academic block.Earlier, Principal, Government College for Women, Nawakadal gave an overview of various activities undertaken by the college and its achievements.Commissioner Secretary School Education, Principals of various colleges, faculty and a large number of students were present on the occasion.