New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government is planning to set up skill-based training programmes in Jammu and Kashmir related to adventure sports and film-making.
The union territory has historically been a popular destination for documentary and mainstream film-makers because of its spectacular scenic beauty.
Keeping this in mind, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has decided to train youth in the Valley in film-making so that film-makers can employ locals as a part of their crew.
In addition, programmes on handicrafts and carpet-making will be set up.
“Jammu and Kashmir, being a popular tourist destination, has unexplored potential for adventure sports. By creating skilled personnel, this industry can flourish and help increase employment and revenue,” a ministry official told ThePrint.
Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Mahendranath Pandey had visited J&K in January.
His visit was part of the Modi government’s plan to send 36 union ministers to J&K to spread awareness about the positive impact of its Article 370 move and the development measures taken by the government for the region.
During their visits, BJP ministers had promised to bring Bollywood to Kashmir.
Also read: Modi govt wants to train pandits and pujaris, design curriculum to standardise rituals
Multi-pronged approach
“A comprehensive approach to skilling in Jammu and Kashmir is being adopted which will be multi-pronged and will focus on strengthening opportunities for the youth,” Praveen Kumar, the MSDE Secretary, told ThePrint.
With the objective of creating skill-based programmes in J&K, the National Skill Development Corporation — an ancillary unit of the MSDE — has already deployed two officers in the union territory.
The officers will also aid the ministry’s initiative in building capacity for district skilling units in J&K.
According to the ministry official quoted in the beginning, establishment of a Centre of Excellence focusing on research on local handicrafts is also in the pipeline.
Scoping study
A ‘scoping’ study will also be conducted in Jammu and Kashmir.
This study will help to determine the aspirational needs of students. It will also help find avenues for international exposure and scholarships for school and college students.
Integrated skill-based programmes for schools and apprenticeship programmes for colleges will also be designed, said the ministry official.
Plan to set up a new Indian Training Institute (ITI) in J&K is also in the pipeline.
Most of the funding for these purposes will be taken from existing national schemes and a request for additional funding will be made before the central government, if needed, added the official.
Also read: Skill India ministry needs to find itself 1 office before it can help Indians find jobs