Reasi,November 28,(Scoop News)- N. N. Vohra, Governor, today underscored the need for taking all required measures for enlarging awareness among youth about the various State and Central Government self-employment schemes so that they could gain maximum benefit from all such programmes. He observed that Sarpanchs, Panchs and people at large need to be involved in a big way to secure the desired objectives in regard to spreading awareness about these schemes in all parts of the State.
The Governor, as Chief Guest, was inaugurating the 2-day Employment Fair at Reasi, which was organized by the District Administration.
The Governor advised Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, to devise ways and means so that the maximum number of people, even from the remotest areas of the district, could participate in such Employment Fairs and draw benefit of the various schemes aimed at generating employment avenues. He added that there is vast potential for growth and employment avenues in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, poultry farming, beekeeping, sheep and animal husbandry, mushroom cultivation etc. In this context, he said that several schemes have been launched by the Government and the Employment Fairs provide useful platforms for the people to get to know about these schemes and avail the benefits.
Referring to the various development-oriented demands presented on this occasion, the Governor, who is Chancellor of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, observed that the infrastructure is being continuously expanded and upgraded at this varsity to meet the emerging requirements of this institution of higher learning in which students from all over the country are pursuing their education. He said that new courses are being introduced in sync with the job market requirements and several short-term skill upgradation courses are being organized by the University. He suggested to Prof. Sudhir K. Jain, Vice Chancellor of the University to assess the requirements of short-term skill upgradation courses for the youth, in consultation with the Deputy Commissioner and then commence those which have a high employment potential.
The Governor, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, dwelt on the various infrastructure development projects which have been taken up by the Shrine Board at Katra. In this context, he referred to the Multi-purpose Sports Stadium being constructed at Katra by the Shrine Board.
The Governor observed that with Katra shortly getting rail connectivity there would be urgent need to further upgrade road network and public utilities to meet the emerging requirements. He said that he and the Chief Minister had had several meetings in the past to discuss development needs of Katra and its surrounding areas, and in this context they are scheduled to have another meeting shortly.
The Governor handed over cheques and keys of vehicles to the beneficiaries of the JKSES and PMEGP on this occasion. Interacting with them, the Governor impressed upon them to take best possible advantage of the schemes. He also felicitated successful entrepreneurs on this occasion.
The Governor inspected 62 stalls set up by the various departments and organizations at the Employment Fair and interacted with the concerned officers in regard to the schemes displayed there for enlarging awareness among youth. He lauded the District Administration for organizing the Employment Fair.
Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Minister of State for Revenue, said that Employment Fairs provide a valuable opportunity for the administration and the people to interact about the various self-employment schemes. He called upon the people, particularly youth to take best advantage of the schemes launched by the Government for generating employment avenues. He referred to the high potential for growth of horticulture, agriculture and tourism in the area. He thanked the Governor for inaugurating the Employment Fair.
Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA, speaking on the occasion, presented to the Governor a Memorandum of development-oriented needs of Reasi district and thanked him for taking keen interest in the development of Katra and its surrounding areas.
Jugal Kishore Sharma, MLC, thanked the Governor for construction of a stadium at Katra and taking up various other projects in the area. He urged for further upgradation of infrastructure at Katra to meet the emerging needs.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, giving details of the Employment Fair said that 62 stalls have been set up by various departments, organizations and placement agencies. He said that career counseling session is also being rganized in the Employment Fair where the aspirants of various competitive examinations will be guided by IAS, IPS and Army Officers. He thanked the Governor for inaugurating the Employment Fair.
A cultural programme was presented by the Information Department on this occasion.
Prof. Sudhir K. Jain, Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; senior Civil, Police, Army and Security Forces officers, Divisional and District Officers, prominent persons of the area and youth were present on this occasion.
Rajinder Singh Tara, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, presented a Vote of Thanks.