KULGAM, Oct 7 (KNS): Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday stressed the need for skill development and introduction of demand-driven courses in colleges to enhance employment opportunities for youth.

Itoo was speaking at a programme on “From Campus to Career” organised by Government Degree College (GDC) D H Pora in Kulgam district.

Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary Higher Education Shafqat Iqbal, Director Colleges Dr Twinkle Suri and Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges Dr Seema Naz were among those present.

The programme began with a plantation drive inaugurated by the minister in the presence of officers and students.

Itoo appreciated the college's efforts towards promoting skill-based education and emphasised the need to create skilled human resources by introducing courses aligned with market and employment demands.

She advised students to utilise their time in learning, innovation and self-development and urged them to stay away from distractions and work with discipline and determination.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Commissioner Secretary Education Ram Niwas Sharma also stressed the importance of hard work in building successful careers and encouraged female students to draw inspiration from women achievers.

He said a proposal for creation of a dedicated Music Department at the college would be submitted to the government.

Secretary Higher Education Shafqat Iqbal emphasised that students need skills, leadership qualities and overall development alongside academic degrees.

Earlier, Principal GDC D H Pora highlighted the college's efforts to transform students' abilities into skills, opportunities and employment.

On the occasion, Hilal Ahmed, a first-semester student of the college and gold medal winner in a national arm-wrestling competition, was felicitated.

SDM Noorabad Bashir-ul-Hassan, ACD Bilal Ahmad Kamgar, CEO Fayaz Ahmad Mir, CMO Dr Showkat Ahmad Party, faculty members, students and other officials were also present.(KNS)