Govt extends scheme to train J&K youths by 4 years

NEW DELHI: The Modi government has extended the duration of the Udaan scheme, an initiative aimed at training and improving employability of J&K youth for private sector jobs, till 2019-20.The initial approval of the scheme, launched in 2013, was till 2015-16.
“The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for extension of time period of the scheme `Special Industry Initiative for J&K Udaan'.It is expected that the target of the scheme, to train and enhance employability of 40,000 graduates, post-graduates and three-year engineering diploma holders, will be achieved by 2019-20,“ a home ministry statement said on Wednesday .
Udaan provides J&K youth exposure to the best of corporate India and corporate India to the rich talent pool available in the state. The initiative, apart from offering economic benefits, helps in counter-radicalisation and weaning away of J&K youth from militancy .
So far, 67 leading corporates have partnered with National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under Udaan with a commitment to train J&K youth for jobs in sectors such as organised retail, banking, financial services, IT, ITES, infrastructure, hospitality etc.
More than 19,000 candidates have been selected for the skill development programme, with over 15,000 having joined training. Of these, only 8,700 candidates have completed training and 6,838 have been offered jobs.
To ensure that the pace of implementation of the scheme is accelerated, mega selection drives have been introduced, in which 8-10 corporate houses come together to identify J&K youth for training.The mega-drives have led to significant improvement in number of selections, the home ministry claimed.