Secretary General Administration Department (GAD) Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone today exhorted upon the youth to strive hard for becoming job providers instead of job seekers.The Secretary who was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of three weeks long Entrepreneurship Development programme under Himayat self employment scheme said that skill development among the youth has been one of the thrusted and concentrated areas of the government so that they can earn their sustainable livelihood through different self employment activities.The programme is being organized by J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) Baramulla wherein various entrepreneurs shall be imparted the necessary expertise and knowledge with regard to their start-ups. Dr Lone was the chief guest whereas Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo, participated as the guest of honor.Complimenting the participants, the Secretary highlighted the role of government in promoting skill development among the unemployed youth besides assuring every possible support in this regard. He stressed for engaging more youth towards such activities so that they can earn their livelihood.DC Baramulla, in his speech said that skill development has been the priority area as it is one of the indicators in Aspirational Districts programme. He urged upon the unemployed youth to come forward and avail the benefits of various schemes meant for encouraging self employment. He also underlined the need of imparting skill courses among the students viz-a-viz their academic courses. Moreover, he informed that Baramulla has topped in Skill Development indicator in NITI Ayog's Delta Ranking 2019 for which Rs 3 crore bonus was provided to the district.Meanwhile, Dr Lone distributed Rs 3.19 crore among 3870 beneficiaries registered as Building and other Construction Workers, spearheaded by the Labour department.Principal Govt Boys Degree College Baramulla, ADC Baramulla Mohammad Ahsan Mir, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Nodal Officer JKEDI, district and sectoral officers among others were present on the occasion.