The District Administration Kupwara on Monday officially launched the ‘Skill Mission-Hunarmand Kupwara’ initiative across Government Polytechnic College Kupwara and all Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the district. The comprehensive program, operating under NITI Aayog’s Aspirational District Programme, is designed to equip thousands of local youth with practical skills to significantly enhance their employability prospects and economic potential.
The inaugural ceremonies were held simultaneously at multiple venues. At Government Polytechnic College Kupwara, Mir Saifullah, MLA Trehgam, formally inaugurated the Skill Mission in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner Gulzar Ahmad, Principal GPC, Chief Planning Officer (CPO), various officials, and a large gathering of aspirants. The MLA expressed confidence in the mission’s potential to skill unemployed youth, encouraging participants to fully utilize these opportunities. He emphasized that “skill-based societies are the backbone of modern development.”
Concurrently at ITI Kupwara, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, MLA Kupwara, inaugurated the initiative alongside CPO Kupwara, the Superintendent of ITI, officials, and numerous candidates. He highlighted how the mission would benefit youth facing employment challenges due to skill gaps, thanking the District Administration for unlocking local potential.
At ITI Handwara, Khurshid Ahmad Sheikh, MLA Langate, inaugurated the program with Additional Deputy Commissioner Handwara Javid Naseem Masoodi and other officers, addressing a substantial audience of aspirants. The MLA urged attendees to capitalize on the initiative to gain skills for self-employment opportunities.
The rollout extended to sub-divisional levels, with SDM Lolab Mudasir Ahmad inaugurating the mission at ITI Lalpora and SDM Karnah Zaffar Ahmad launching the initiative at ITI Tangdar. Both officers appealed to aspirants to maximize their engagement with the program.
Approximately 600 candidates have been identified and enrolled across 18 distinct courses at these institutions. The curriculum spans diverse fields including Basic Computer Digital Literacy, Sozni Embroidery, Basic Masonry and Concreting, Solar Power Technician, Basic Tailoring, Basic Multimedia & Animation, and Mobile Repairing, among others.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, who reviewed training arrangements, underscored the transformative nature of the mission. “This initiative is not just a set of training courses but a step towards unlocking possibilities, enhancing employability, and redefining the future of thousands of youth in Kupwara district,” she said.
