Govt to modify SKEWPY, but won’t change its name

Srinagar: PDP-BJP Government Monday said that it will not change the name of ‘Sher-e-Kashmir Employment and Welfare Programme for Youth’ (SKEWPY), but will improvise the scheme.

While replying to the question raised by Opposition National Conference leader, Omar Abdullah, in Lower House today, Minister for Finance, Labour and Employment Haseeb A Drabu said government will modify SKEWPY.

“We have no issues with the name of SKEWPY, which was given by the government of that time. But the track record of the SKWPY has not been good. It will be continued but we want to modify it for improvisation of the scheme,” Drabu said.

Omar said the government should not abandon the scheme “as it is beneficial for the youth” of the state.

“You were part of the team when the scheme was formulated. I have no issue if the name of the scheme is changed but don’t abandon it as it is beneficial for the youth of JK,” Omar told Drabu.

“Yes, I was part of the team when the scheme was formulated. We will continue the scheme but will modify it,” Drabu replied.

He said it was not possible to provide government job to everyone. “Unemployment is a huge concern. The only way to reduce unemployment is investment in the private sector. Public investment in universities, agricultural sector will subsequently generate jobs.”

The finance minister said 1,11,077 number of unemployed youth have been registered with the district employment and counseling centres in the state upto March end this year. “However, total number may be higher as the registration is a voluntarily process.”

He said the government has adopted a policy to fast track the recruitment in government departments for filing up gazette and non-gazetted posts. (KNS)

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