Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed,Thursday, directed J&K Wakf Board to release Rs. 2 crore for setting up three new nursing colleges at Chrar-e-Sharief, Awantipora and Anantnag, besides augmenting the intake capacity of Bibi Halima Nursing College from 50 to 100 seats.The Chief Minister issued these instructions while chairing a meeting, here this morning.Advisor to the Chief Minister, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Khursheed Iqbal Andrabi, Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science & Technology, Awantipora, Prof. A. R. Trag and Vice Chairman, J&K Wakf Board, Peer Mohammad Hussain were present on the occasion.
The funds released will set into motion creation of new nursing colleges to meet the requirement of paramedic staff for the two AIIMS and five new medical colleges that are being established in the state.Keeping in view the Skill Development Mission launched by the Government, the Chief Minister suggested to VC KU to incorporate courses in fabled handicraft of state like papier machie, carpet and pashmina weaving and wood work in the Skill Development Institute being set up by the University.Under Skill Development Mission, a mechanism is being adopted to identify skill gaps and focus on four broad categories which include Heritage Industry, Traditional and Modern Trades and Agriculture-based enterprises.