Skilling Jammu & Kashmir: The Road Ahead

Mir Sajjid Hussain
Skill Development Sector Expert, Kashmiri Indian

India’s economic and industrial landscape has undergone transformative evolution over the past decade, with skill development emerging as a strategic cornerstone for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihood generation. As the country strives to harness its demographic dividend and reduce youth unemployment, a multitude of flagship national initiatives—including PMKVY, DDU-GKY, PMKK, and Skill India Digital—have been launched to enhance employability and entrepreneurial capacity.

However, in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), despite a promising demographic profile and significant investments, the outcomes of these initiatives have been inconsistent and less impactful. The region continues to grapple with entrenched structural issues, such as a fragile industrial base, limited private sector participation, socio-political instability, and challenging topography. These hurdles have hindered the successful localization of national skill missions, rendering many programs ineffective or short-lived.

National Skill Development Framework: A Strategic Overview

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), India has developed a multi-layered skill development framework focused on vocational competency, digital skilling, and entrepreneurial readiness.

Key National Initiatives:

• Skill India Mission: Umbrella scheme to build vocational capabilities.

• PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana): Offers short-term training and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

• PMKK (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras): Model training centers in districts.

• Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS): For skilling non-literate rural populations.

• NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme): Encourages on-the-job learning.

• CTS (Craftsmen Training Scheme): Delivered through ITIs.

• Skill India Digital (SID): AI-powered job matching and e-learning platform.

• Pradhan Mantri YUVA Yojana: Focuses on entrepreneurship mentoring and incubation.

• PM Vishwakarma Yojana: Upskills traditional artisans.

• IndiaAI FutureSkills Pillar: Promotes AI education, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Skill Development in Jammu & Kashmir: Progress and Pitfalls

Despite receiving focused attention due to high youth unemployment and sensitive socio-political context, J&K has struggled to translate policy into performance.

Major J&K-Specific Initiatives:

• Udaan Scheme (now discontinued): An industry-led initiative that provided pan-India training and placements for J&K youth. However, its lack of long-term continuity undermined its sustainability.

• JKSDM (J&K Skill Development Mission): Set up with Tata Technologies and the Higher Education Department, JKSDM has offered short-term training across multiple sectors such as IT, tourism, healthcare, and analytics. However, it faces administrative delays, poor monitoring, and low placement success.

• CIIITs (Centres for Innovation, Incubation, and Training) in Baramulla and Jammu provide high-end skilling in AI, robotics, and IoT, yet are still limited in geographic reach.

Comparative Performance Data (2015–2023):

Sources: NSDC Reports, DDU-GKY MIS, MoHUA Dashboard, RTI filings

Migration Dilemma: Opportunity or Exploitation?

A troubling pattern has emerged where 85%+ of skilled youth from J&K are placed in migratory jobs—mostly in metro cities in hospitality, retail, BPOs, and security services. Yet, retention remains poor, with only 35–40% staying in roles beyond six months. Cultural disconnect, poor living conditions, and familial obligations often lead to disillusionment and return migration.

This raises a crucial question:

Are migratory placements a meaningful solution or a temporary fix lacking dignity and sustainability?

Role of Corporate CSR in Skilling

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are increasingly playing a significant role in India’s skilling ecosystem.

Key CSR Interventions:

• Tata STRIVE: Offers industry-integrated training, including digital skills.

• Infosys Foundation: Focused on rural coding and digital literacy.

• Tech Mahindra Foundation: Healthcare and IT skilling for underserved youth.

• L&T, Maruti Suzuki, Bosch: Link training with employment through CSR-backed programs.

• CIIITs in J&K: A CSR partnership between Tata Technologies and the government.

Sources: CSRBox India, India CSR Network

A Paradigm Shift: From Migratory Jobs to Local Enterprises

To address structural unemployment in J&K, a shift from migratory employment to self-employment and local enterprise is imperative. The region has untapped potential in:

• Handicrafts

• Horticulture

• Tourism

• IT services

• Food processing

Skill programs should incorporate:

• Business development modules

• Digital marketing skills

• Financial literacy

• E-commerce training

Policy Recommendations for a Resilient Future:

1. Link Skilling with Credit
   Access to soft loans through schemes like PMEGP, JKEDI, Mudra Yojana.

2. Expand Incubation Infrastructure
   Build on the CIIIT model to foster start-up culture.

3. Adopt Cluster-Based Models
   Train youth in region-specific sectors: e.g., apple logistics in South Kashmir, pashmina in Srinagar, digital services in Jammu.

4. Focus on Outcomes, Not Just Numbers
   Shift from a “training-led” model to a “livelihood-linked” approach.

Jammu & Kashmir’s skill development narrative is one of immense potential restrained by fragmented execution. While national schemes and corporate CSR efforts have sparked localized improvements, the reliance on migratory jobs is neither sustainable nor empowering. What is needed is a self-reliant, entrepreneurial ecosystem rooted in local strengths, backed by robust policy frameworks, digital tools, and institutional support.

To truly realize India’s demographic dividend, every region—especially one as critical as J&K—must be equipped for dignified, meaningful, and sustainable livelihoods.

About the Author
Mir Sajjid Hussain is a Skill Development Program Expert from Jammu & Kashmir. With over a decade of experience across national and state-level skilling institutions, he remains committed to bridging the gap between policy and practice to create inclusive livelihood pathways for India’s youth.