Centre approves Rs 1601 crore for Himayat programme in J&K

Centre has approved Rs 1601 crore for Jammu and Kashmir under skill development initiative Himayat to train 1.24 lakh local youths in vocational courses, Rural Development Minister Abdul Haq Khan said today.
"Under the reanimated Himayat programme, 1.24 lakh youths from both the rural and urban areas of the state would be imparted training in various job-intensive vocational courses over the next three years," he said.
He said the proposals for implementing the program have already been invited online by DDU-GYK National Mission Management Unit, Union Ministry of Rural Development.
"Rs 1601.51 crore has been approved for the scheme over the next three years during which six-months, nine-months and one year job-oriented training in residential and non-residential courses will be imparted to the aspirants by the designated Project Implementation Agencies (PIAs)," Khan said.

He said the PIA would be selected by State Level Project Appraisal Committee in which experts from National Institute of Rural Development and DDU-GYK will participate along with the officers of the state government.
"The state is establishing Himayat Mission Management Unit at the state level within one month whereas the JKSRLM will oversee the overall implementation of the program in the state. The PIAs will be allocated targets district-wise," he said.

He said the aspirants would be trained in and outside the state.
"A provision has been kept for foreign placements as well. To begin with, about 1000 youths shall be placed outside the country. Also, a special provision for 40,000 female placements shall also be covered over the next three years," he said.

The minister said the funds for training to each PIA will be released only after successful placement of the trained candidates.