JULY 17: Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Atal Dulloo, stressed the importance of continuous skill development in today’s dynamic job landscape while inaugurating a two-day workshop on “Transforming the Skilling Landscape in J&K,” held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar.
Speaking at the opening session, Dulloo stated that continuous upskilling is essential for lifelong professional success, especially in a rapidly evolving economic and technological environment. He emphasized that the government is focused on creating a skilling ecosystem that prepares youth not only for employment but also for innovation and self-reliance.
“The future belongs to those who keep learning, adapting, and evolving. Skill development is not a one-time activity but a lifelong journey,” he said.
The Chief Secretary called for stronger synergy between industry and academia, underlining that meaningful partnerships between educational institutions and the corporate sector can bridge the existing skill gap and make education more employment-oriented.
He further advocated for early vocational training, suggesting that exposure to practical, hands-on skills at the school level can help students discover career paths aligned with their interests and the region’s economic needs.
Another key focus of the workshop was on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among youth. Dulloo highlighted that encouraging innovation, start-ups, and local enterprise will not only generate jobs but also reduce dependency on government employment.
Experts, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers participated in the workshop, contributing insights on how to reshape the skill development model in Jammu and Kashmir. The sessions focused on realigning skill initiatives with market demands, integrating technology in training, and fostering inclusive growth through skill-based education.
Organized as part of the UT government’s broader mission to empower youth and reduce unemployment, the workshop also showcased success stories from various skill development programs implemented across J&K.
Dulloo concluded by urging all stakeholders to act with urgency and purpose in building a skilling ecosystem that truly transforms lives and supports the Union Territory’s vision for sustainable economic growth.
