Skill education essential for youth empowerment: Javid Dar

Baramulla, Sep 12: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, Saturday inaugurated a Fashion Designing Centre for cutting, tailoring and sozni work at Government Degree College Hadipora, Rafiabad, here.
The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the skill-based education and creating avenues for vocational training, self-employment and livelihood generation among students and local youth.
The newly established centre will provide practical training in cutting, tailoring, fashion designing and traditional Sozni embroidery, enabling participants to acquire market-oriented skills and explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and income generation.
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit young women by equipping them with employable skills, fostering self-reliance and encouraging their participation in economic activities.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized the importance of skill-based education in enhancing employability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the younger generation. He said that educational institutions have a crucial role in preparing students not only for academic pursuits but also for the changing demands of the employment and entrepreneurial landscape.
The Minister stressed the need to promote vocational training alongside formal education so that students can develop practical expertise, build confidence and pursue self-employment opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of traditional crafts, Javid Dar said that initiatives promoting Sozni embroidery can help preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage while creating new avenues of livelihood for skilled artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs. He appreciated the college administration for establishing the centre and encouraged the students and local youth to make the best use of the facilities being provided.
The Minister underscored the importance of continued efforts towards strengthening skill development infrastructure in educational institutions, with a focus on empowering youth, promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating sustainable income generation.
The Fashion Designing Centre is expected to serve as a platform for skill enhancement, creativity and vocational development, contributing towards the socio-economic empowerment of youth in the region.
Professor Tariq Ahmad Wani, Principal, GDC Hadipora, faculty members, students and senior citizens were present on the occasion.