Employment generation, self-employment our top priority: Lt Governor

Jammu, Jun 23: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday addressed Mega Job Fair-2025 organised by Cluster University of Jammu in collaboration with Desh Bhagat University Punjab, at Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government PG College for Women Gandhi Nagar Jammu.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor commended the significant initiative by Cluster University Jammu and Desh Bhagat University Punjab for bringing together a wide array of reputed national companies, offering employment opportunities to youth of J&K UT.
He also extended his felicitations to the companies that participated in Mega Job Fair and conveyed his best wishes to the selected candidates.
“Cluster University’s job fair aims to bridge the gap between education and employment. It will provide an opportunity to our young generation to showcase their skills and empower them to start their careers so they can effectively contribute in building Viksit Jammu Kashmir and Viksit Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the reforms, guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, which are shaping the education landscape to align with the needs of the industries and creating robust employment avenues for the youth of Jammu Kashmir.
“Employment generation, self-employment through entrepreneurship and improving employability of the youngsters through educational transformation has been our top priority. Our efforts to attract industries in J&K since 2021 have helped in connecting young job seekers directly with employers,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He observed that the presence of local private companies at today’s Job Fair serves as a testament to the significant strides being made in industrialization and expansion of trade and business activities in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.
“The operationalisation of new industries is also offering youth better exposure about diverse roles and positions in industries suited for their skills and experience. The overwhelming response from the private sector to recruit youth from J&K is a positive indicator for our economy,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the progressive Industrial Policy and several key interventions that have attracted private investment in J&K UT over the past few years.
He said the industries had availed the benefits of Rs 28,400 cr worth incentives under New Industrial development scheme in just two and a half years.
“Rs 25,000 crore worth of investment plans are currently at various stages of implementation. Projects worth Rs 10,000 crore have been completed and have commenced production. The remaining Rs 15,000 crore worth of projects, presently at different stages, will start this year.
Nearly, Rs 60,000 cr worth proposals are pending. These have been stalled due to some reasons, and I hope a decision will be made on them in the near future,” the Lieutenant Governor further said.
The Lieutenant Governor also attributed the exponential growth registered in the employment generation and entrepreneurship sector in J&K to the dedicated efforts of all stakeholders.
He highlighted their crucial role in successfully implementing schemes and programs like PM’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP), Hausla, Tejaswini, Mumkin, and Mission Youth, along with other initiatives focused on youth empowerment and livelihood generation.
Interacting with the representatives of the participating companies, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that efforts are being made to provide youth with employment opportunities. He said the new Industrial policy has emphasised on employment to local youth on priority.
Atomic North Private Limited has established a BPO in a village in Kathua, providing employment to approximately 375 youths. The company has a potential to employ up to 1000 youth. I have urged them to start a BPO in Udhampur. JSW Group is also bringing a BPO to Jammu, he further said.
The Lieutenant Governor distributed job offer letters to selected candidates. He also handed over approval for BBA BCA courses to Cluster University, from AICTE.
Mega Job Fair 2025 is a significant step towards empowering youth and enhancing employment opportunities for the youth. As many as 57 reputed companies from across the country participated and 3759 candidates were registered for the Job Fair.
Prof K.S. Chandraseker, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Dr. Sandeep Singh, President, Desh Bhagat University, Punjab; Dr. Geetanjali Andotra, Principal GCW Gandhi Nagar, Heads of various departments and educational institutions, representatives of various reputed companies, youth and people from different walks of life were present.