JAMMU AND KASHMIR: A first-of-its-kind job fair was organised in Kathua district for Industrial Training Institute (ITI)-trained unemployed youth from far flung area by the Jammu and Kashmir Skill Development Department. Dr Hassan Samoon, Principal Secretary of the Skill Development Department inaugurated the fair. Prof Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor of Central University, and Raj Nehru, Vice Chancellor, Shri Vishwakarma Skill University in Haryana, were also present during the inauguration ceremony of the job fair.
Considering the large number of private companies and industries that have come up in the region, a large number of unemployed ITI trained youth thronged the fair and registered their names for placement in the private sector. The fair witnessed participation of over 45 organisations, with several offering on-the-spot jobs.
“Under the direction of the Centre, several activities are going on to arrange jobs for unemployed youth. There are 1,50,000 trained youth in our state ready to join the workforce. We are working closely with the private sector and local industry to provide employment,” Dr Samoon said. He added that the government has launched several reformative measures towards skill development in the union territory with upgradation of Industrial Training Institutes.
Dr Samoon also informed that a memorandum of understanding has been signed with Ashok Leyland to make Kathua ITI, the Centre of Excellence in Automobile Technology to help the students of the union territory interested in establishing a career in the automotive technology sector. Currently, he mentioned the efforts being made to make ITI institutions, job-guaranteed entities. Dr Samoon added that inculcating entrepreneurship orientation among the students along with academics will help them become job providers instead of job seekers.