Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Oct 3: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting to review Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) for skill development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting focused on framing a comprehensive strategy aimed at building future ready workforce, skill professionals, enhancing employability, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Higher Education, Shantmanu; Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D Vaidya; Secretary School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Secretary, Skill Development Department (SDD), Kumar Rajeev Ranjan; Managing Director, Skill Development Mission; Secretary BOTE, Director, Skill Development, representatives from various Universities, besides other senior officers. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasized that true impact of the plan would depend on its effective implementation at the grassroots level. He underscored the importance of seamless coordination between Education and Skill Development departments, describing it vital for success of this ambitious plan. Outlining the guiding framework, Atal Dulloo stressed that the success of skilling efforts depends on four important pillars; availability of high-quality master trainers, development of robust curriculum, adequate infrastructure and establishment of viable skill models. Chief Secretary further stressed on setting up of skill models for attraction and active involvement of private sector in mission of building youth as future ready workforce and skill professionals in J&K. He made it clear that skill training cannot be managed by just few institutions or individuals. "Without master trainers, even the best-designed frameworks or regulatory models will not succeed," he asserted. Chief Secretary further observed that skilling is not the sole responsibility of the Skill Development department. "This is a collaborative effort in which universities, schools, and polytechnics must all contribute in accordance with their strengths," he maintained. He also cautioned against unrealistic targets, stressing that instead of aiming for unmanageable numbers, the focus should remain on quality outcomes. "If we are able to skill even five lakh people with quality training, that itself would be a remarkable achievement," Dulloo said.
The meeting also discussed the need to strengthen polytechnics, regulation of private skill institutions, and promote multiple models of skilling suited to different contexts.
|
