Islamabad: In a significant development for technical education and vocational training in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), an agreement was signed between Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) and National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) at the AJK House in Islamabad. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Executive Director NAVTTC, Amir Jan, and Chairman TEVTA, Chaudhry Farid Ahmed.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, Most Senior Minister Colonel (R) Waqar Ahmed Noor, Minister TEVTA Sardar Amir Altaf, Chief Secretary Azad Kashmir Dawood Muhammad Bari, Chairperson NAVTTC Mrs. Gulemina Bilal, Director General Planning NAVTTC Muin Hassan Khokhar, Director General Administration NAVTTC Hafeez Abbasi, Director NAVTTC Syeda Amina Gilani, Secretary TEVTA Syed Masood Bukhari, Director Project Anam Asif Abbasi, Director Planning Ehsan Danesh, and Program Officer Faisal Rashid.
In the light of this memorandum of understanding, a project will be initiated in collaboration with the Government of Pakistan to provide technical training to 1500 individuals in the latest trades. Upon completion of the training, these individuals will not only be capable of obtaining dignified employment but will also contribute to valuable foreign exchange through exports.
The government will bear the expenses incurred in the training, including training fees, accommodation, and meals. Selected candidates will be trained in the best institutions of the country, with a thirty percent quota reserved for women.
For individuals from low-income families, residents of rural areas, and students of schools, the opportunity to receive free training in advanced technologies and gainful employment will be available. The training program will be completed in five stages, with three hundred youths receiving technical training in the first phase.
Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwar-ul-Haq, while appreciating the memorandum of understanding, expressed optimism, stating, “There is a need for motivated and hardworking youth with skills, determination, and enthusiasm to come forward and benefit from this opportunity.” He thanked the top officials of NAVTTC and said that this project would provide a rare opportunity for the youth of Azad Kashmir for skill development. He added that the youth trained under this project would have the opportunity to start their own businesses, which would help in reducing unemployment.
Chairman NAVTTC expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and stated that the organization would initiate more such projects in the future.