Srinagar, Mar 17: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K Skill Development Panel convened its inaugural meeting today in Srinagar, under the leadership of panel convenor Ufair Ajaz Kitab, Managing Director, Kashmir Motors. The meeting brought together industry leaders and CII members including Haseeb Renzu, CEO WoodVenture; Siddhant Chowdhary, Director Vivanta by Taj Jammu; and Dawar Mir, Managing Director Ziraat Agro Venture LLP.
The primary focus of the meeting was on identifying the skilling requirements across various sectors and organising capacity-building workshops aimed at addressing the growing skill gaps that exist between industry needs and workforce capabilities.
“Skill development is essential for the progress of our state,” Ufair Ajaz Kitab stated. “We recognize the increasing demand for skilled workers in sectors such as tourism, horticulture, automobile, and cold storage. Our commitment is to create workshops that empower employees and provide them with the necessary training to enhance their skills.”
The panel emphasised the significance of J&K’s demographic dividend, noting the potential for the region to supply a skilled workforce to the labor market. They highlighted the necessity for a coordinated effort among all stakeholders, including government agencies, industries, educational institutions, and job seekers, to effectively bridge the skill gap.
“Employees are actively seeking opportunities to improve their skill sets,” added Ufair. “By facilitating quality training and workshops, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.”