NSDC CENTRE INAUGURATION AT DRUGMULLA.

Nissar Shaheen :

Srinagar, 06 Jul 2018. Skill Development Centre, Drugmulla set up by the Army is the first and only National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) accredited training centre in Kupwara which aims to provide job oriented training to youth. Orion Edutech as Training Partner of NSDC will be responsible for conducting the training at the Centre with effect from 2nd week of July 2018.

The Training Centre was formally inaugurated by GOC, Vajra Division amidst district administrative officials, officials from NSDC, civil society members and trainees on 06 July 2018. The GOC spoke about the efforts being made by the Army to make practical and meaningful contribution towards society and bringing about positive change in the environment. Establishment of Skill Development Centre in Drugmulla is a step in that direction to empower youth for better job opportunities.

The GOC also said that the first step has been taken and depending on the response, the domains and capacity for training will be enhanced for more job roles. He also brought up that similar training centres will be set up shortly in Tanghdar and Gurez and a training centre in the domain of health care will be established at 168 MH, Drugmulla. On the occasion, representatives from NSDC Ms Kehkashan Anjum (NSDC State Engagement Officer, J&K) and Mr Soumen Acharya (AGM, Orion Edutech) spoke about the initiative undertaken by the Army and the advantages that will accrue to the youth. Among other dignitaries, Mr Khalid Jahangir (DC, Kupwara) also aired his views about the necessity of skill training to bridge the gap between demand and skilled persons available for the job. He congratulated the Army for taking the lead in a domain specific to civil administration by establishing the training centre. He also brought out that similar schemes are being planned by state and district administration.

The Army has been extensively involved in making a meaningful contribution to the civil society. The larger aim which will be achieved through this Skill Development Centre is integration of youth with the mainstream society and channelising their energy towards progress and development in the district. Skill Development Centre was conceived as a Vocational Training Institute for job oriented training under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) for youth of Kupwara District. The Training Centre will impart employable skills for job roles like Customer Care Executive and Retail Sales Associate in public/government sector. The training for each job role will be for three months and a minimum of 60 trainees will be trained on each course. Thus every three months the training centre will turnout a minimum of 120 youth ready for employment in private/government sectors. The entire training will be free of cost and placement will be ensured for all the trainees post training through various corporate agencies.

The establishment of Skill Development Centre has generated a lot of enthusiasm in local villages and the youngsters have come forward for enrolment in huge numbers. This initiative of the Army has been lauded by the local populace and they appear committed to make it a success.