Kupwara: Principal Secretary, Skill Development Department, Dr. Asgar Samoon, Wednesday had an extensive tour of Kupwara district during which he inaugurated Job Mela at Government Degree College Kupwara besides inspecting ITIs Handwara and Kupwara and Polytechnic College Kupwara.
Principal Secretary was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, Imam Din, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, Nazir Ahmad Lone; ADC, Handwara, Nazir Ahmad Mir; Assistant Director, Skill Development, Kashmir and other concerned officers.
During inauguration of Job Mela, Principal Secretary visited various stalls put up by 12 different companies showcasing their schemes available to extend hand holding to unemployed youth for providing them job opportunity.
On the occasion, it was informed that about 150 resumes were collected by the placement partners. Besides, 58 beneficiaries have been approved under MUMKIN scheme for provision of commercial vehicles, of which, 9 beneficiaries have been provided vehicles by Ashok Leyland in presence of Principal Secretary.
During his visit to ITI Handwara, Principal Secretary addressed pass outs and trainees there and highlighted the importance of skill development in the present day world of caliber and competence. He stressed the need for new short term job oriented courses so that the unemployed youth could get job opportunity within Jammu & Kashmir. He also directed for encouragement of Self Help Groups and asked the district administration for providing necessary support in this regard.
Samoon enquired from the pass out ITI students regarding their placement and was requested by the female pass out students from Kralpora and Jumgund to allow them work voluntarily in educationally backward far flung areas besides providing cutting and tailoring training to youth there. He directed the concerned officers to get these pass outs registered with Youth Mission so that they can render their services in their respective areas. He urged upon the unemployed youth to come forward and take advantage of newly introduced short term courses in different trades and make themselves equipped with latest modern skills, adding that both Government as well as private sector prefer skilled manpower.
Principal Secretary, during his visit to ITI Kupwara, interacted with the students and the faculty. He stressed the need for full time faculty in ITIs so that students can get better exposure.
Principal Secretary also inspected under construction Polytechnic College at Karihama, Kupwara where he was informed that the institution is coming up at Rs. 13 crore, of which, Rs. 11 crore have been expended so far.
Principal Secretary expressed dismay over delay in completion of the college building and directed the concerned engineers to complete the construction by ending December this year.
On the occasion, Samoon also interacted with the public who called on him regarding completion of the College.
Meanwhile, Samoon participated in the final cricket match of Kehmil Cup played at Higher Secondary ground Karihama between FCC Drugmulla and Sahara Gulgam. He also gave away trophies to the winners. The match was won by Sahara Gulgam by four wickets.
Among others who accompanied the Principal Secretary during his visit included Principal Polytechnic College, Principal ITI Kupwara, Deputy Director Employment, Kupwara; Principal ITI Handwara, DGM, H&UD and Executive Engineers.
