Two ITIs to be revamped to ensure industry-ready youth
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Oct 26: In a significant move aimed at bridging the gap between education and employment, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog for the establishment of the Union Territory’s first-ever Skill University through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Simultaneously, the Government has initiated steps for complete revamp of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Jammu and Srinagar to align technical education with industry needs.
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While presenting Budget for the current financial year (2025-26) in the Legislative Assembly on March 7, 2025, Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, who is also Minister Incharge Finance, had announced that to empower the youth of Jammu & Kashmir with industry-relevant skills and entrepreneurial opportunities, Government will establish Jammu & Kashmir Skill and Entrepreneurship University.
“This institution will provide cutting-edge training in technology, healthcare, tourism, renewable energy and traditional crafts while fostering innovation, startup incubation and industry partnerships. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the University will reduce unemployment, create a skilled workforce and nurture job creators”, the Chief Minister had mentioned.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that a comprehensive proposal has recently been submitted to the NITI Aayog by the Skill Development Department through Planning, Development and Monitoring Department for the establishment of Skill University on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.
“The Government will contribute land as equity and ensure all statutory and administrative compliances, while the private partner will make the required financial investment and manage the operational aspects. The proposed model aims to bring in professional expertise, modern curricula and industry linkages-essential ingredients for skill-oriented education that leads directly to employment”, sources said while disclosing that NITI Aayog will facilitate J&K Government in getting Viability Gap Funding (VGF).
They further said that the proposed Skill University is envisioned as a hub of vocational excellence, offering contemporary, demand-driven programs aligned with national and global market needs. It will focus on sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, IT, logistics and manufacturing, ensuring that the youth of J&K acquire job-ready skills instead of degrees that often fail to translate into employment opportunities.
“Unlike the conventional system where education ends with certification, the Skill University will ensure assured placement of pass-outs, effectively addressing the long-standing issue of educated unemployment,” they said, adding “in the comprehensive proposal the Skill Development Department has proposed two campuses of the Skill University-one each in Jammu and Srinagar”.
Simultaneously, the Government has initiated an exercise for the comprehensive revamp of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Jammu and Srinagar under the Government of India’s scheme.
“Under the scheme, each ITI will get Rs 81 crore—Rs 40 crore as Central Assistance, Rs 30 crore as Union Territory contribution and Rs 11 crore to be infused by the private player, who will enter into formal agreement with the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to be created for the purpose”, sources informed, adding “the J&K Government has completed almost all the formalities for availing the Central Assistance and shortly Request for Proposal will be floated to invite industry partner”.
“Modern infrastructure, advanced machinery and updated syllabi will be introduced to make ITIs more responsive to emerging industrial needs. The revamped ITIs will also act as feeder institutions for the proposed Skill University, providing seamless vertical mobility for students”, sources said, adding “these initiatives can prove transformational for J&K’s youth, where lack of employability skills has been a major concern”.
“The focus on partnership with private players is also expected to attract new industries to the region, creating a sustainable ecosystem of learning, training and employment. If approved by the NITI Aayog, the Skill University would not only be the first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir but also a model institution for other Union Territories”, they said.
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