In order to discuss the issues related to the Skill Development programme in district Kupwara, the District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, Khalid Jahangir chaired a meeting with Mission Director Skill Development and other concerned officers.It was given out in the meeting that a detailed action plan for skill development under the guidance of Skill Development Mission shall be prepared in consultation with all the stakeholders. This shall provide a roadmap for enhancing the number of youth who will be trained with certified courses which will subsequently afford them opportunities in getting absorbed in various government and private sectors.The DDC said that the local Walnut Processing Industry and Kanishal making should be given special thrust and the produce of manufacturers should be exhibited for better marketing and good returns over online trading platforms. He also suggested for establishing more institutions in the district for providing the necessary skill training to the youth. He further suggested that marketing local products online with the intention to popularise brand Kashmir as the valley enjoys proud distinction of producing genuine products like Saffron, Pashmina, Apples, dry fruits etc with a ready market available throughout the globe.
Meanwhile, DDC said that skills and knowledge are the driving forces of economic growth and social development in contemporary times. It enables upliftment of weaker and disadvantaged sections of society through targeted skill development activities. The need of the hour is to propagate inspirational value of skilling among youth by creating social awareness on value of skill training, said the DDC.The Mission Director Skill Development assured the DDC Kupwara with all possible help in bridging the skill gap.Pertinent to mention that Kupwara is one of the 115 Inspirational Districts in the country. The meeting resolved that the skill development shall be given major boost during the current financial year.The meeting was attended by Joint Director Planning Kupwara, Imtiyaz Ahmad, GM DIC Kupwara, Principal Polytechnic College Kupwara, Project Manager NRLM, District Officer KVIB, Chief Education Officer Kupwara, M. Shafi, DM EDI Kupwara, District Officer RSETI Kupwara, DDM NABARD, AD Handicrafts and Handloom, Superintendent ITI Kupwara/Handwara/Lalpora and Karnah and other officers.