J-K govt approves skill development scheme for youths

The state Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accorded approval to the Jammu and Kashmir Skill Development Policy which also aimed at addressing the growing skill gaps among the youth, an official spokesman said today.

He said the government aims to help 9.1 lakh youths over the plan period.

"To achieve the target, an estimated Rs 1,575 crore will be required during the period in sectors like Vocational and Technical Education, Micro Small Scale Industry, Horticulture, Tourism, IT, Health, Animal and Sheep Husbandry, UDAAN and Himayat," the spokesman said.

He said with the innovative intervention of Sher-i-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth, the government has been successful in creating first ever credible scientific database of unemployed youth in the state.

 

"The number of unemployed youth registered in various district employment and counselling centres of the state is 6.04 lakh ending January 2012. The data thus generated is an indication of the magnitude of the challenge," he said.

He said the 12th Five Year Plan with an outlay of Rs 67822.47 crore (2011-12 prices) has been prepared.

The state government is aiming at an annual average economic growth of 7.5 per cent over the plan period, the spokesman said.

He said the capital expenditure during 2012-17 will create massive employment opportunities. (MORE)