The Special Industry Initiative (SII J&K), known as the “Udaan” scheme, is a significant program launched by the Government of India to address the critical need for skill development and enhanced employability among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. This scheme aims to provide skills training to 40,000 young individuals over a period of five years in key high-growth sectors, thereby improving their employment prospects and contributing to the region’s overall development.
Background and Objectives
The “Udaan” scheme was formulated based on recommendations from an Expert Group constituted by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The primary objectives of the scheme are:
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To provide skills training to youth in key high-growth sectors.
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To enhance employability and facilitate well-paying jobs for trained manpower.
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To engage the corporate sector in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
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To cover graduates, post-graduates, professional degree holders, and three-year engineering diploma holders.
Implementation and Training Process
The scheme is implemented through the National Skill Development Council (NSDC) and the corporate sector. The process involves:
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Identification and Selection: Participating companies screen and select students from Jammu and Kashmir.
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Skill Gap Assessment: Training modules are developed based on the identified skill gaps of the selected trainees.
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Relocation and Training: Trainees are relocated to training facilities where they undergo intensive training.
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Job Placement: Upon completion of training, trainees are interviewed for potential job placements with the participating companies.
Financial Aspects
The total cost of the scheme for the Government is Rs. 750 crore. The financial provisions are as follows:
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The government covers incidental expenses, including travel, boarding, lodging, stipend, and medical/accident insurance, up to a maximum of Rs. 1,35,625 per candidate.
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A payment of Rs. 50,000 per candidate is provided to the corporate partner (Udaan partner) if the trainee is offered a job (within or outside the company) and remains employed for at least 90 days after training completion.
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PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) bear the entire expenditure for implementation of the scheme from their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.
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Employment must be provided within 6 months of the training program.
Scheme Flexibility and Relevance
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the scheme on July 7, 2011. Based on the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries and experience gained during implementation, the scheme was modified to make it more flexible and relevant. These modifications were approved by the CCEA on January 24, 2013.
Monitoring and Transparency
The implementation status of the scheme is publicly available on the official website, www.nsdcudaan.com. This transparency ensures that stakeholders can track the progress and impact of the initiative.
Conclusion
The Udaan scheme is a crucial initiative for empowering the youth of Jammu and Kashmir. By providing them with relevant skills and employment opportunities, the scheme aims to address the socio-economic challenges in the region. The program’s focus on high-growth sectors and collaboration with the corporate sector ensures that the training is aligned with industry needs, thereby increasing the employability of the youth. The scheme also highlights the government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and development in Jammu and Kashmir.