The discussion on employment in Jammu and Kashmir is gradually moving towards a deeper and more sustainable understanding of human capital development, and the recently outlined five-year skilling framework reflects this positive shift in policy thinking. By placing skills at the heart of economic planning, the administration acknowledges that long-term employability depends on adaptability, relevance, and coordinated institutional effort. The roadmap presented before Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo offers a measured and inclusive vision for aligning education with the changing needs of the economy.
At its foundation, the framework recognizes that skilling is not a one-time intervention but a continuous process that must begin early and evolve with time. The proposed structure linking foundational exposure in schools, career-oriented support in colleges, and industry-focused technical training reflects a holistic approach to workforce preparation. By creating clear pathways from education to employment, the plan seeks to reduce the long-standing gap between academic learning and practical workplace requirements. A notable strength of the roadmap lies in its emphasis on institutional collaboration. By bringing together universities, professional institutions, industry stakeholders, and financial bodies within a common framework, the plan treats skill development as a shared responsibility. This collaborative approach has the potential to enhance efficiency, avoid overlap, and ensure that training remains aligned with market demand. The emphasis on defined roles and accountability further reinforces the practicality of the framework. The scale and inclusiveness of the proposed interventions are also significant. The aim to reach nearly fourteen lakh individuals over five years reflects an awareness of the demographic profile of Jammu and Kashmir. Early exposure of school students to vocational and twenty-first-century skills can help young learners explore career options with greater clarity. Structured skilling opportunities for college students and graduates are intended to strengthen employability by bridging the gap between education and industry expectations. Technical and short-term skilling for youth and working-age individuals supports both employment and self-reliance. The focus on lifelong learning adds depth to the overall strategy. In an economy shaped by rapid technological change, continuous skill upgrading is essential. By addressing the needs of mid-career workers, artisans, and those in the informal sector, the roadmap broadens the scope of skilling beyond first-time job seekers. Recognition of prior learning and flexible short-term courses can help experienced workers remain relevant while enhancing productivity and confidence. The framework also looks beyond local boundaries by proposing exploration of global capability centers and structured overseas employment pathways. While strengthening local employment remains a priority, access to national and international opportunities can expand exposure and income prospects. A unified digital job platform is expected to improve job discovery and reduce fragmentation, making employment information more accessible and transparent for job seekers. The success of this ambitious framework will depend largely on effective implementation. Strong industry-academia linkages must translate into regular engagement and updated curricula. Training programmes must remain responsive to evolving market needs. Institutions involved will need both support and accountability to ensure outcomes remain aligned with objectives. Ensuring equitable access for women, rural youth, and marginalized groups will be crucial to achieving inclusive growth. Overall, the skilling roadmap reflects a thoughtful attempt to position education and training as pillars of economic resilience. By focusing on people rather than short-term measures, the framework seeks to build a workforce that is confident, adaptable, and prepared for future opportunities. With consistent execution and collaborative governance, it holds the potential to gradually transform Jammu and Kashmir into a society where skills open pathways to dignity, stability, and long-term growth.
This skilling roadmap deserves appreciation for its clarity, inclusiveness, and long-term vision. By aligning education with employability and placing people at the centre of economic planning it reflects responsible governance and a genuine commitment to building a skilled, confident, and resilient workforce in Jammu and Kashmir.