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BUDGAM: In a major step towards promoting skill-based learning, practical education and greater career awareness among students, teaching and non-teaching staff, around 80–90 per cent of private schools in Budgam participated in a special awareness, training and registration programme under the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS).
The programme was organised on the directions of the District Development Commissioner, Budgam and the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Budgam and other concerned departments, organised a special training and orientation session at the Conference Hall of the DC Office to facilitate private schools in completing the registration process on the NAPS portal.
The programme received active support from the (Regd.) Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA) District President, PSAB Budgam and Director Media & Communications, Dr. Owais Mattoo, along with the Association’s executive body and zonal presidents. The Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA), which represents the largest private school members in Jammu & Kashmir and is registered with the Government, has consistently worked for the advancement of education, skill development and the welfare of private educational institutions.
The initiative aims to help schools, teachers, non-teaching staff and students understand skill-training opportunities and the importance of practical learning alongside regular education. It also seeks to provide students with early information about different career options, vocational pathways and employment opportunities.
The session was aimed at providing necessary guidance, addressing technical queries and ensuring smooth and timely registration by participating schools. The training session was conducted by Principal ITI Budgam Imran Wajahat, CEO Office In-charge, Private Schools Desk Amir Hussain and Mohammad illyaas Bhat, along with other concerned officials. Private schools were asked to depute ITI in-charges to help address technical issues related to registration.
Under the local registration drive, private schools were asked to register eligible students studying in Classes 9th to 12th, particularly those in the 14–18 age group, through the Apprenticeship India Portal. The initiative is aimed at giving students early information about skill training, practical learning and different career options, helping them look beyond only traditional academic courses and understand the value of vocational and job-oriented pathways.
Welcoming the initiative and the strong participation of private schools in Budgam district, (Regd) J&K- PSA Budgam District President and Director Media & Communications Dr. Owais Mattoo said that such programmes were important for helping students understand the value of skill development at an early age.
Dr. Mattoo said that the Private Schools Association (PSA) is carrying forward the legacy and vision of its founding president, Chief Patron and National Joint Secretary of the National Independent Schools Alliance (NISA), Dr. G.N Var who has consistently emphasised at various programmes and forums that the time has now come to give greater importance to skill development, practical training and job-oriented education for students as well as teaching and non-teaching staff.
He said that students and staff should be equipped with job-oriented skills and proper training so that they can take up different kinds of work, become more self-reliant, contribute productively to society and reduce excessive dependence on government employment. He further said that job-oriented and skill-based courses have considerable scope for future employment and livelihood opportunities and that schools have an important role in providing such exposure and preparing the younger generation for the changing demands of the employment market.
He said, “Today’s training programme is an important step towards creating awareness about the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and helping our students understand the importance of skill development from an early stage. We have always supported such initiatives because if we want to prepare the new generation for the future, education must be supported by practical skills, exposure and awareness of new opportunities.”
Dr. Mattoo said education and skills should go together to help young people prepare for changing career opportunities “We need to bridge the gap between education and skill development. Our children should not only gain academic knowledge, they should also develop practical skills that can help them build confidence, explore different career options and create opportunities for themselves. Such initiatives can help students understand that their future is not limited to waiting for a government job. They can learn new skills, choose different professions, start their own work and build a secure livelihood”.
Dr. Mattoo said there was also a need to extend skill development and training opportunities to teaching and non-teaching staff, enabling them to acquire additional competencies and become better equipped for different responsibilities and emerging areas of work. He said programmes of this kind also support the broader goals of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which gives importance to practical and hands-on learning and greater exposure to vocational education.
“The real strength of NEP 2020 lies in creating an education system where knowledge, skills, creativity and practical learning move together. Government schemes such as PM-NAPS become meaningful when they reach schools, students and families at the grassroots level. We therefore believe that awareness, proper implementation and easy access are as important as the scheme itself,” he said.
Dr. Mattoo also appreciated the participation of private schools and the efforts of the J&K-PSAB executive body and zonal presidents in encouraging schools to take part in the programme. He said the (Regd.) Jammu & Kashmir Private Schools Association (J&K-PSA) would continue to support constructive government initiatives aimed at improving education, skill development and career awareness among students.
“The mission of the Private Schools Association is not limited to classroom education. We want our students to receive education along with the skills and practical knowledge needed to lead dignified and productive lives. If we can connect education with skill development, entrepreneurship and real-world opportunities, we can help our young people become more self-reliant and better prepared for the future,” Dr. Mattoo said.
He further said that greater awareness about job-oriented courses and vocational training could help students make informed choices according to their interests and abilities, while also opening pathways towards future employment and self-employment. The Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) is a Government of India initiative aimed at promoting apprenticeship and skill training and encouraging establishments to provide practical learning opportunities to young people.
The scheme is designed to support skill training and encourage establishments to provide practical learning opportunities to young people. Training periods generally range from 06 to 12 months, depending on the trainings. The initiative seeks to provide young learners with practical exposure, improve their skills and help them better understand and prepare for future career and employment opportunities.
