Skill development secretary winds up 2-day visit to J&K

K P Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship on Wednesday concluded his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir, and assuredfavourable consideration of the request for establishing a Skill Development Institute for imparting training in heritage crafts.

Krishnan reviewed the status of ongoing schemes and programmes under the Directorate of Technical Education and Mission Directorate of J&K Skill Development Mission at a high-level meeting, an official spokesman said.

While apprising the Union Secretary about the status of various schemes being implemented in Jammu and Kashmir, the concerned officials sought establishment of ITIs in uncovered areas, grant-in-aid for ITIs working under PPP mode and some financial assistance befitting the requirements of ITI sector, the spokesman said.

In order to ensure skilling and upskilling of youth, the concerned officials also requested for establishment of Skill Development Institute for imparting National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) compliant training in heritage crafts to youth.

The officials also sought setting up India International Skill Centre where candidates can avail skill training and certification benchmarked to international standards, the spokesman said, adding that enhanced targets for recognition of prior learning (RPL) in general skills and specifically for heritage crafts were also sought.

While reviewing the skill development scenario, the Union Secretary assured enhancement of RPL targets under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana and for working out a mechanism of opening some ITIs in collaboration with the Higher Education Department in feasible and uncovered areas of J&K, the spokesman said.