Jammu, March 24 The Jammu and Kashmir Government has released a comprehensive report on the implementation of various skill development schemes under the J&K Skill Development Mission, with a particular focus on the Kalakote–Sunderbani constituency.
In response to a query tabled by MLA Thakur Randhir Singh in the Legislative Assembly, the Government outlined the progress and impact of key national initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana (PMVY). These schemes are being executed through NSDC-affiliated training centres, as well as Government ITIs and Polytechnics.
“Under PMKVY 2.0 (2017–2021), 20,615 candidates were enrolled across J&K, with 17,596 successfully certified. PMKVY 3.0 (2021–2023) trained 1,617 youth, out of which 1,478 were certified. The ongoing PMKVY 4.0 (launched in 2023) is currently training 4,000 candidates, with a target of 11,260 across the Union Territory,” the reply reads. “In Rajouri district, which includes Kalakote and Sunderbani, a total of 6,070 candidates were enrolled under PMKVY 2.0 and 3.0, with 4,642 receiving certifications. Training under PMKVY 4.0 is ongoing at Government ITI Kalakote, Government ITI Sunderbani and one NSDC training centre in the constituency.”
Launched in September 2023, the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana has also shown significant impact in J&K. A total of 139,441 artisans and craftspeople have registered under the scheme, out of which 122,015 have been trained, and 121,845 certified, with 891 currently undergoing training. There are seven Vishwakarma training centres functional in Rajouri, including centres in Kalakote and Sunderbani. Additionally, under the SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) initiative: 3,249 candidates were trained via District Skill Committees, 250 women from vulnerable groups received skill training through the Tribal Research Institute, 876 women received Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification, and a comprehensive Skill Gap and Youth Aspirational Survey was conducted. The Union Territory also earned accolades at the India Skills Competition 2024, with 22 participants from J&K competing in 20 skill categories. The state bagged 3 Gold, 4 Bronze, and 6 Medallions of Excellence. Notably, three national winners from J&K represented India at the World Skills Competition in France in September 2024. As for infrastructure, two Government ITIs are currently functional in Kalakote–Sunderbani, offering 19 trades and a combined intake capacity of 440 students. “ITI Kalakote functions as a dedicated Women’s ITI, while a women’s wing has been established at ITI Sunderbani to promote gender inclusion and women empowerment,” the government reply reads. “Special initiatives in the constituency have also shown tangible results: 180 women trained under the Back to Village 4.0 programme, 224 beneficiaries trained under Jal Jeevan Mission, and another 224 artisans trained under PM Vishwakarma Yojana in local ITIs.” However, the Government clarified that no new proposals for establishing additional ITIs in the Kalakote–Sunderbani areas are currently under consideration. The ongoing efforts under the Skill Development Mission continue to empower local youth, artisans and women, aligning with the broader vision of economic upliftment and employment generation across J&K.
