Kashmir skilling ecosystem must catch up with market needs: KCCI

Srinagar, Jul 16: The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) took part in a two-day conference on Transforming the Skilling Ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, organised by the Department of Skill Development, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. KCCI was represented by its Secretary General, Faiz Ahmad Bakshi, at this high-level dialogue on shaping the future of skill development in the region.

As per the statement, the conference was attended by senior government officials, including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) for Tourism, Principal Secretary Finance Santosh Vaidya, Secretary Skill Development Rajeev Ranjan, and Director Skill Development Shahzad Alam.

The event served as a platform to critically examine the challenges hindering effective skill development, including misaligned training programmes, low placement rates, limited career progression, and fragmented administrative structures.

During deliberations, stakeholders assessed both successful and struggling models of skill development. The conference underscored the Union Territory’s ambition to align with the Government of India’s Rs 2 lakh crore national skill budget, aimed at skilling 4.1 crore youth over the next five years.

In his keynote, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo outlined the government’s vision, while Secretary Rajeev Ranjan presented a detailed analysis of the current skilling landscape and roadmap titled Skilling for All in Jammu & Kashmir.

Speaking as a panellist, KCCI Secretary General Faiz Ahmad Bakshi raised pressing concerns. Citing a Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) report that places unemployment at 32.8% among 15–29-year-olds in the region, he called for urgent reforms in the skilling ecosystem at a time when India aspires to become a $5 trillion economy.

Bakshi criticised the outdated curriculum in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), calling it ill-suited to the needs of modern industries. “The growing disconnect between what is taught and what the industry demands is fuelling unemployment despite the presence of training schemes,” he said.

He advocated for a shift towards market-oriented skill development, urging authorities to align programmes with the needs of key sectors such as technology, tourism, handicrafts, and emerging industries. Highlighting quality concerns, Bakshi noted that expanding the number of training centres without upgrading content and delivery would be ineffective.

KCCI also called for deeper private sector involvement in designing and delivering skilling programmes, ensuring relevance and stronger job linkages. The chamber stressed the importance of clear career progression pathways so that training leads to sustainable livelihoods, not just temporary jobs.

Bakshi further emphasised the employment potential of developing district-level industry clusters integrated with dedicated skill development centres. He pointed out that traditional skills in handicrafts and cottage industries—largely acquired at home—now require upskilling to match modern market expectations.