Jammu, Mar 24: In a significant move aimed at enhancing employability and empowering local youth and women, the government has laid out a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen the skill development ecosystem in Jammu district, with a special focus on the Jammu East Constituency.
The detailed update was provided in response to a question raised by MLA Mr Yudhvir Sethi in the Legislative Assembly, highlighting a series of measures taken to boost technical and vocational training opportunities in the region.
As per the official reply, three Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)—including one dedicated to women—are currently operational or being established across various Panchayats such as Kana Chargal Lower, Kana Chargal Upper, Bain Bajlata, Pargalta, Aithem, and Jagti. These ITIs collectively offer training in 62 different trades, accommodating a total intake of 1,404 trainees.
Institute-wise intake capacity: Government ITI Jammu: 972 seats, Women ITI Jammu (NCVT): 164 seats and Government ITI RS Pura (NCVT): 268 seats.
Additionally, the district hosts two Government Polytechnics, one of which is exclusively for women. These institutions offer three-year diploma courses in a diverse range of technical disciplines such as Architecture, Civil, Mechanical, IT, Medical Lab Technology, and Textile Design, with a combined annual intake of 580 students.
In a noteworthy step towards women empowerment, a 12-day special training program was conducted in collaboration with the JK Rural Livelihood Mission. Women Self Help Group (SHG) members participated in customized skill courses, with each trainee receiving Rs 1,200 directly in their bank accounts as support.
The government has also been proactive under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0), facilitating skill training through NSDC-approved centres, including IIT Jammu, Kendriya Vidyalaya Nagrota, and Sainik School Nagrota. Courses offered under this initiative include: Assistant Beauty Therapist, Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing), Computer Hardware Technician, Domestic Biometric Data Operator, Drone Assembly Technician, Fitness Trainer, Make-up Artist, Web Developer, Self-Employed Tailor
In Block Nagrota, 333 candidates have already received certification post-training, while 113 are currently undergoing training.
Adding to the skill infrastructure, the Food Craft Institute near village Dhammi, opposite Jagti Township, offers 1.5-year diploma programs in Cooking, Bakery, Front Office, and Food & Beverage Service. It also provides free short-term courses ranging from six days to four months, with no upper age limit. These are fully sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
