Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 11: Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, praised the transformative essence of the ambitious Himayat scheme today, highlighting its crucial role in empowering youth for the job market.
At the Himayat Alumni Meet 2025, where various beneficiaries shared their success stories, the Minister pointed out the often-ignored challenges that precede each achievement. “Every success story is underpinned by struggle. While the dazzling outcomes are apparent, the dedication and hurdles faced to achieve them often go unnoticed. Today’s children, sharing their experiences, remind us that struggle not only shapes identity but also imparts essential life lessons,” remarked the Minister.
Javed Dar, who also oversees the Election and Cooperative Departments, noted that the fruitful execution of the Himayat scheme is a game changer for the social and economic elevation of youth, particularly in the rural regions of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised the need for upskilling youth in alignment with contemporary job market trends for improved job opportunities.
The Minister stressed that the Himayat scheme should be widely promoted, especially in rural locales. “Job seekers will derive immense benefits from being skilled and trained, empowering them to sustain their livelihoods,” he added.
Javed Dar called for increased accountability and an expanded scope to bolster capacity-building efforts. He also highlighted the significance of skill development in a rapidly advancing nation.
The Minister urged district-level officials to actively promote the scheme in rural areas. “Widespread promotion is essential to ensure that more youth can take advantage of this scheme. The Himayat initiative holds the promise of generating numerous success stories in the future,” he stated.
Reflecting on the Government’s initiatives over the past two and a half months, the Minister reaffirmed the commitment to public welfare. “We have diligently worked to ensure that every welfare program reaches the people effectively. Himayat is a crucial project, and as it evolves, we will address any challenges and weaknesses to achieve success,” he assured.
Secretary in RDD & PR Department, Rachna Sharma, reiterated the transformative impact of education, especially vocational training, in empowering youth and shaping their prospects.
Chief Operating Officer of Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, provided key insights into the program’s influence during the Alumni Meet, highlighting its role in empowering youth throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
During the event, the Minister also e-inaugurated a counseling-cum-call center in collaboration with IIT Jammu.
Attendees included DG Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra, Director RDD Jammu Mumtaz Ali, Mission Director JKRLM, Shubhra Sharma, Director Panchayati Raj, J&K Sham Lal, Chief Executive Officer, IWMP, Rajnish Kumar, and Additional Secretary, Waseem Raja.
