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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at SRINAGAR: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD), and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Thursday chaired a review meeting of Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs) under the HIMAYAT Scheme (DDU-GKY 2.0) to assess the implementation and progress of the programme across Jammu & Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Chief Operating Officer, Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, State Project Manager, Sajad Choudary, officers of the Himayat Mission Management Unit (HMMU), and representatives of various Project Implementing Agencies.
During the meeting, the performance of each PIA engaged under the first phase of DDU-GKY 2.0 (HIMAYAT 2.0) was reviewed in detail, with particular focus on training completion, placement performance, retention, and the quality of employment opportunities being offered to rural youth.
The Secretary observed that while most PIAs had substantially achieved their training targets, the immediate priority now remains achieving the mandated placement targets under the scheme.
The meeting was informed that under DDU-GKY 2.0, a total target of 2,248 candidates has been sanctioned for the financial year 2025–26, against which 1,615 candidates have already been trained, while 650 candidates have been placed so far.
Emphasizing that HIMAYAT is fundamentally a placement-linked programme aimed at generating sustainable livelihoods, the Secretary directed all PIAs to make focused and result-oriented efforts toward ensuring quality placements for trained candidates.
While appreciating the efforts of agencies in commencing training programmes and generating placements, he stressed the need to further improve training quality and ensure sustainable employment outcomes.
Aijaz Asad emphasized that placement should not be limited to the issuance of appointment letters, but should ensure that candidates remain employed, perform effectively, and sustain their livelihoods over time.
Highlighting the importance of reducing attrition among placed candidates, he directed agencies to provide proper counselling, continued support, and conducive facilities to trainees.
Calling for greater accountability, the Secretary stated that the credibility and reputation of implementing agencies would ultimately depend on the successful completion of training programmes and the long-term success of candidates in the workforce.
Aijaz Asad further urged agencies to maintain high standards in hostel facilities, training infrastructure, and overall trainee welfare. The Secretary directed all agencies to work in close coordination with the Himayat Mission Management Unit (HMMU) and ensure timely achievement of targets with a sustained focus on quality skilling, placement retention, and youth empowerment across Jammu & Kashmir.
