Himayat scheme to empower youth in rural areas, says Minister Javed Dar

The successful implementation of the Himayat scheme is emerging as a game changer for the social and economic upliftment of youth, particularly in the rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir, stated the Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Javed Ahmad Dar, on Saturday.

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Speaking at the Alumni Meet 2025 of Himayat, where several beneficiaries shared their success stories, the Minister lauded the transformative impact of the scheme, underscoring its critical role in equipping youth with skills for the evolving job market.

Minister Dar emphasised that the Himayat scheme is making a significant difference, especially in rural areas, by providing training and skills that empower youth to secure gainful employment. He stressed the importance of aligning youth skills with the latest job market trends to enhance their employment prospects and prepare them for the challenges of modern job sectors.

“The Himayat scheme must be promoted extensively, particularly in rural areas, as those seeking jobs can benefit immensely from acquiring the necessary skills and training,” Dar noted. “This will enable them to earn their livelihood and lead better lives.”

The Minister further called for greater accountability and a broader scope to strengthen capacity-building efforts. He urged district-level officers to ensure that the scheme is promoted widely, with a special focus on rural regions.

Reflecting on the government’s efforts over the past two and a half months, Dar reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to public welfare. “We have worked tirelessly to ensure that every welfare scheme reaches the people with full dedication,” he remarked. “Himayat is a crucial project, and we will continue to address any challenges and shortcomings as it progresses to ensure its success.”

Rajneesh Gupta, Chief Operating Officer of Himayat, noted that over 32,500 candidates have been trained so far, and approximately 14,000 of them have secured employment.