Panel on job plan for J&K youth submits report to CM

Rangarajan accompanied by several members of the panel handed over the report to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here.

The highlight of the report is the recommendation for setting up of Skill Employment and Empowerment Scheme for J&K at a cost of Rs 257 crore. It envisages placement-linked and market-driven skill training of 50,000 to one lakh youth over the next three to five years.

“We have to prepare the youth with skills which will improve their employment rate. Youth is a great asset but only if it is properly trained and provided employment avenues,” Rangarajan said.

This initiative is proposed to be implemented in private-public partnership mode with the private sector bearing 50 per cent of the training cost and the government coming up with the balance expenses.

“Some of the probable private sector partners are IL&FS,Kuoni,Don Bosco and Dr Reddy’s Foundation,” he said.

The group has also recommended Rs 500 crore allocation for launching a Special Industry Initiative which would enhance the employment skills of nearly 40,000 youth from the state over the next five years.

“The companies that have expressed interest are Infosys Technoogies,Tata Consultancy Services,Godrej and Boyce,BILT,Crompton Greaves,Avantha Group,Bajaj Auto,WWFI,JCB India,Tata Motors and Apollo Hospitals,” Rangarajan said.

The group has recommended a special scholarship scheme for 25,000 students from the state over the next five years and has sought Rs 1200 crore for scholarships to be granted to students of medicine,engineering and general studies.

Among the sectoral initiatives,Rangarajan said the group has recommended revival of State Finance Corporation (SFC) by providing Rs 100 crore for the purpose.

“Rs 100 crore will not be enough. Another Rs 50 crore should be granted for making it operational,” he said.

He said the credit flow was necessary for allowing the small and micro enterprises to flourish in the state. Other initiatives recommended include faculty enhancement programmes,persuading private school and educational institutions to accommodate children from Jammu and Kashmir.