Youth empowerment at core of Omar Government’s vision: Javed Rana

• Omar Govt committed to turning youth aspirations into opportunities: Rattan Lal Gupta

JAMMU: Senior Jammu and Kashmir National Conference leader and Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest & Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana who was Chief Guest, today reiterated that youth empowerment remains the cornerstone of the Omar Abdullah-led government’s vision for Jammu and Kashmir.

He was addressing a meeting of JKNCSU at Sher-e- Kashmir Bhavan, Jammu today organized and Charied by the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Students' Union (JKNCSU) President Harshvardhan Singh. Provincial President Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta attended the function as Guest of Honour, while JKNCSU Working President Arun Pal Singh, Sheikh Bashir Ahmad Provincial Secretary Jammu, Babu Rampal former minister and Central Zone President and several student leaders were also present..

Addressing the gathering, Javed Rana highlighted various youth-centric initiatives undertaken by the elected government to address unemployment, encourage entrepreneurship, and create opportunities for the younger generation.

"The Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to transforming the aspirations of our youth into opportunities. Through Mission YUVA, expanded self-employment schemes, enhanced sports infrastructure, and a youth-focused budget, we are laying the foundation for sustainable employment, innovation, and economic empowerment. Our objective is to ensure that every young person in Jammu and Kashmir has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region's development. He said that Mission YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan) aims to facilitate the establishment of nearly 1.37 lakh enterprises and generate approximately 4.25 lakh jobs over the next five years through entrepreneurship support, financial assistance, skill development, and mentoring., Rana Said.

Speaking on the occasion, Rattan Lal Gupta emphasized the importance of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and linked it directly to the aspirations of the youth."Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's decision to take the statehood movement to New Delhi reflects the collective aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The present Union Territory framework has limited the scope of democratic governance and decision-making. Restoration of statehood is essential for creating a more responsive administration capable of addressing the employment, educational, and developmental concerns of our youth," Gupta said.

Earlier, JKNCSU President Harshvardhan Singh welcomed the guests and apprised the minister about various issues concerning students, JKSSB and JKPSC aspirants, unemployed youth, and emerging entrepreneurs."The youth of Jammu and Kashmir are eager to contribute positively to society, but they require timely recruitment processes, transparent opportunities, and institutional support. We have conveyed the concerns of students, competitive examination aspirants, and budding entrepreneurs, and we are confident that the government will continue to address these issues with seriousness and sensitivity," Harshvardhan said.

The programme witnessed active participation from students and youth representatives who discussed a range of issues concerning education, employment, entrepreneurship, and youth welfare.

Among others who were present in the included : Bimla Luthra former MLA,Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary Jammu,Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Abdul Gani Teli Chairman OBC Cell, Rakesh Singh  Raka Vice President Central Zone, Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Dilshad Malik Vice President Central Zone, Vikas Choudhary District President Jammu Rural “A”, Sahil Chib, Jatin Bhat, Deeraj Bhagat, Varun Kapai, Janeet Singh Sodhi, Suddan, Amteshwar Singh, Raman Kumar, Aditya  Bhagat, Adil Quershi, Nikhal Sharma, Manish Singh, Imran Khan, Sahil Ali, Mohit and others.