Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Apr, 22
University Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre (UESDC) organised one day awareness programme on skill development. The function started with the lighting of lamp and Sarswati Vandhana followed by floral welcome of guests.
Prof. Manoj Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu and Chief Guest of the occasion, talked about the essence of creating UESDC in the University of Jammu. He mentioned how the Entrepreneurship is being developed in the University Ecosystem. He stressed on effective industry -academia interface and skill profiling in order to boost skill development in the state. Prof Dhar exhorted that J&K Skill Development Mission and University of Jammu need to come together and work in collaborative manner so that tailor made skill based courses, awareness programme, skill gap studies etc can be created. Prof Dhar emphasized that a platform is required to create an environment where University is in a position to impart requisite skills to the students/scholars, which are required by the industry and in that direction, Industry also need to come forward to provide in-house training during the study period in the University to the students so that students and scholars are aware of the expectations of the Industry. He further informed that the University has taken proactive role in involving an Industry experst in Board of Studies of different subjects
Professor Naresh Padha, coordinator RUSA-II emphasized on incorporation of practical and skill oriented subject in the curriculum of university courses.
Dr. Peer Ghulam Nabi Suhail, Director and CEO, J&K State Skill Development Mission, keynote speaker of the programme, gave a detailed outline of Mission. He focused on the need and identification of various skills in the state of J&K and their relevance to the job opportunities in the market. In his address, he mentioned that 71% of the population in the country is below the age of 35 years and 6 lakh people in the country are in the age group of 15-35 years. He further highlighted J&K as a knowledge intensive state where more can be done to bring new initiatives in the area of skill development.
He stressed that there is a mismatch between what is being taught in schools, colleges, universities and what job market actually demands.
He suggested that new approaches should be adopted as most of the available jobs in the state of J&K do not need higher degrees. He mentioned the fact that around 1200 courses have already been identified in skill development area. He concluded his address by putting stress on interpersonal / cultural interaction, teacher training, industry connect, career counselling etc as the main skill development strategies in the state.
Ms. Kahkaashan Anjum, State Engagement Officer J&K, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), gave a detailed presentation of skill development courses and the methodologies adopted for the various scholarship schemes and different vocational courses run by NSDC in the state of J&K.
Mr. Adil, State Project Manager, Himayat, J&K, talked about different activities carried out by Himayat J&K. The programme was followed by an effective interaction among the audience and speakers where different questions were raised and answered regarding how to boost skill development in the state.
Earlier Professor Sameer Gupta, Convener UESDC presented a formal welcome address and apprised the audience about the various activities of UESDC.
The program was attended by various stakeholders of university including Deans, Directors, HoDs and faculty members of various departments besides galaxy of research scholars and students.
Dr. Garima Gupta, member UESDC presented a formal vote of thanks to all the guests and audiences.
The programme was coordinated by the members of UESDC, Dr. Sikander Pal, Dr. Garima Gupta and Dr. Aubid Hussain Parrey under the leadership of Prof. Sameer Gupta, Convener, UESDC.
