JAMMU, JANUARY 11:Javed Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Election, and Cooperative Departments, hailed the Himayat scheme as a transformative initiative for youth empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the Himayat Alumni Meet 2025, where several beneficiaries shared their success stories, the Minister highlighted the significance of the scheme in equipping the region’s youth for the modern job market.
While celebrating the achievements of the program’s beneficiaries, Dar acknowledged the often unseen struggles that led to their success. “Every success story is underpinned by hard work and challenges. Though the outcomes may appear glamorous, the journey to these accomplishments is marked by perseverance. The stories we hear today show that struggle not only shapes character but imparts invaluable life lessons,” he remarked.
The Minister emphasized that the Himayat scheme has been a game changer for the socio-economic upliftment of youth, particularly in rural areas. He underscored the importance of upskilling young people to align with current job market trends, ensuring that they are well-prepared for emerging employment opportunities. “The Himayat scheme offers a pathway to better livelihoods for those seeking employment, particularly if they are equipped with the right skills and training,” Dar said.
He called for a more extensive promotion of the Himayat initiative, especially in rural areas, to ensure that more young people benefit from it. “Widespread promotion is crucial to reaching more youth who can transform their futures through this program,” Dar stated. He also emphasized the need for greater accountability and a broader scope to enhance capacity-building efforts across the region.
Dar highlighted India’s rapid growth as one of the world’s fastest-developing nations, with an expanding job market. “With a population of 1.5 billion, India is poised to become one of the largest economies. It’s vital that we prepare our youth for the upcoming job opportunities through proper training and skill development,” he added.
Reflecting on the government’s recent efforts, Dar reassured the public of the administration’s unwavering commitment to welfare initiatives. “Over the past two and a half months, we have worked tirelessly to ensure that all welfare schemes, including Himayat, reach the people. We will continue to address any challenges as the program progresses to ensure its success,” he assured.
Rachna Sharma, Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, praised the critical role of education and vocational training in empowering youth. “Himayat is not just about skill-based education; it’s about empowerment. Many of our beneficiaries have even received international job offers, which speaks to the program’s success,” she said.
Rajneesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Himayat, provided key insights into the program’s impact. He shared that over 32,500 candidates have been trained through Himayat, with around 14,000 successfully employed. “The Himayat centers, both in and outside Jammu & Kashmir, are hubs of transformation. They equip young individuals with the necessary skills to seize opportunities and contribute to society,” Gupta said.
In a further demonstration of the government’s commitment to enhancing youth empowerment, Javed Dar e-inaugurated a counseling-cum-call center in collaboration with IIT Jammu during the event.
The event underscored the Himayat scheme’s transformative potential and its role in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir’s youth.