SRINAGAR: The first page of Greater Kashmir of 3rd March
had two interesting news items on the top half of the page. While one
article was about the presence of 6 lakh jobless youth in J&K, the
other was about the Skill Development Programme, ‘ATHROUT’ (Helping
Hands) at Bandipora where General Syed Ata Hasnain was present for
interacting with the youth.
We
are all aware of the limited availability of Government jobs in
Kashmir, the unusually large number of Government employees, resulting
in heavy salary burden on the exchequer which ultimately leads to lack
of funds for development work. The State is compelled
to look back every time towards the Centre for funds.
Lack of private
sector opportunities has also aggravated the unemployment
situation. Moreover the ground situation in Kashmir has also changed
for the better. While the state of uncertainty and turmoil appears to
be a thing of the past, more and more youth are now looking for better
opportunities and are ready to skill equip themselves to exploit the
avenues available for employment outside the valley.
With
this in view, the most appropriate solution appears to lie in the model
of integrated participation of the Army, Civil Administration and
private participation as demonstrated during the conduct Skill
Development Programme ‘ATHROUT’ at Bandipora. The integration of all
agencies has
resulted in a unique synergy, which has ensured smooth conduct and
participative feeling amongst all stakeholders. This example needs to
be emulated and proliferation of such programmes throughout J&K is
the need of the hour. Then only can we tackle the high unemployment
rate prevalent in the State.
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