RAJOURI: A vibrant and well-attended Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Mela (PMNAM) was organised today at Industrial Training Institute (ITI) to connect job-seeking youth with the industrial establishments and promoting awareness about apprenticeship programs under the Government of India’s Skill India Mission.
The event was graced by Javaid Iqbal Choudhary, MLA Budhal as the Chief Guest. He lauded the efforts of ITI Rajouri and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship for organizing such a valuable initiative.
The MLA stressed the importance of skill enhancement in shaping the future of the youth and urged industries to come forward in providing apprenticeship opportunities to local students. He encouraged students to become job creators rather than job seekers by utilizing the training and platforms provided by ITIs and the government.
Among others present at the event were Assistant Labour Commissioner Pradyot Gupta; President, Industrial Association Rajouri Haji Mohammad Shafi; Managing Director Concrete Design Ashish Langer; Tourist Officer Mumtaz Ahmed; PMNAM Coordinator Ankush Sharma and others.
The Assistant Labour Commissioner highlighted various labour welfare schemes and services available for workers. He informed that children of registered labourers are entitled to free education assistance under labour welfare schemes, a key provision aimed at uplifting the families of labour-class.
President local Industrial Association Haji Mohammad Shafi expressed his association’s willingness to support and absorb skilled manpower from local ITIs, promoting local employment.
The Managing Director Concrete Design spoke about the industry’s requirements for skilled workers and how apprenticeships help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience.
The Tourist Officer emphasized the growing opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sectors and encouraged students to explore these sectors through vocational training and apprenticeships.
The event was coordinated by Ankush Sharma, PMNAM Coordinator, who delivered a detailed presentation on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and its benefits for both employers and apprentices. He explained the registration process, incentives for industries and how students can use this platform to gain valuable industry exposure while continuing their education.
Earlier, the organizer and host of the event the ITI Principal Ujwal Mahajan welcomed the guests and participants, highlighting ITI Rajouri’s commitment to quality skill training and industry partnerships.
A number of stalls were set up by local industries and training partners to facilitate direct interaction between students and potential employers.
On-the-spot registrations for apprenticeship programs were also conducted and many students evinced keen interest in joining the sectors such as manufacturing, interior designing, tourism and other services.
The event concluded with networking sessions and one-on-one counseling of students, offering them a better understanding of career prospects through apprenticeships. The PMNAM Mela at ITI Rajouri proved to be a significant step towards youth empowerment, industrial collaboration and socio-economic up-liftment through skill development.
