Poonch : The District Skill Committee (DSC) on Thursdya discussed the formulation of a District Skill Development Action Plan at its meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Yasin M. Choudhary.
The plan is a part of the Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) program initiated by the Ministry of Skill Development, Government of India.
Speaking at the meeting, the DC emphasized the need to revive traditional crafts for livelihood generation, including hand embroidery, carpentry, bakery, cutting and Tailoring etc. “The revival of these crafts would not only create livelihood but also help to preserve the traditional craft” he said. The DC also directed the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) to conduct Skill Development training Programs for the unemployed youth.
The Committee sanctioned a sum of Rs 2 lakh each for three ITIs, namely Poonch, Surankote and Mendhar, Rs 1 Lakh for JKEDI and Rs 1 Lakh for polytechnic for skill development training and spreading awareness among unemployed youth about government livelihood schemes.
The DC also laid emphasis on conducting such programs in the designated aspirational Panchayats of the District and directed the officers to submit the reports of all such programs to the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat henceforth.
It was also informed that both male as well as female candidates belonging to General, SC, ST, or disabled persons category can take part in the training and secure livelihood opportunities.
The DC directed the concerned officers to share the training courses/course structure along with the minimum qualification/eligibility criteria required. This initiative is expected to create a positive impact on the socio-economic development of the region by creating more employment opportunities and preserving traditional crafts.
The meeting was attended by General Manager DIC, Dr. Zakir Hussain, Assistant Commissioner Development, Abid Hussain Shah, Chief Education Officer, Bishamber Dass, District Social Welfare Officer, Mohinder Paul, LDM JK Bank, Ashutosh Koul, District Nodal officer JKEDI, Azmat Hussain, Superintendent ITI Poonch, Jawaid Ahmed, Superintendent ITI Mendhar, Talat Mehmood, Superintendent ITI Surankote, Senior Record Assistant, SC/ ST, Abdul Ghani, besides other concerned officers were present.
