MUZAFFARABAD: The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has launched technical and vocational training courses in 11 religious seminaries under its “Skilled Kashmir” programme, where 192 male and female students are currently benefiting.
This information was shared on October 10 during the meeting of an official committee established to oversee the introduction of technical and vocational courses in religious seminaries.
The meeting, chaired by Maulana Imtiaz Ahmed Siddiqui, Chairman of the AJK Ulema and Mashaikh Council, was informed by a focal person that 16 seminaries under the supervision of the religious affairs department had applied for registration with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta). Of these, 11 were selected as they met the necessary criteria.
In addition to the seminaries, 112 students were also receiving training in computer operations (Level II), graphic designing, electrical work, and mobile repairing at the Government College of Technology in Mirpur, the Government Vocational Training Institute in Muzaffarabad, and the Government Vocational Training Institute in Kotli, with support from the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), the focal person said, adding, these students were also receiving a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,000 from NAVTTC.
The meeting decided to approach NAVTTC, Islamic Relief Organization, Muslim Hands, Help in Need, elected representatives, philanthropists, and others to secure additional resources alongside existing ones.
On the occasion, Tevta Chairman Chaudhry Muhammad Fareed assured that his institution would promptly register seminaries and institutions that were equipped with laboratories and other technical and vocational training facilities.
He also stated that Tevtawould play a key role in generating the necessary funds for promoting technical education in religious seminaries.
Mr Fareed stressed that the maximum number of seminaries should complete their registration with Tevta by the end of December to begin classes immediately afterward.
He assured that Tevta would streamline the registration process for seminaries and provide full assistance in this regard.
“We need to instil the understanding that the students of these institutions are our future. By acquiring vocational courses in IT and other fields alongside their religious education, they will play a vital role in society,” he said.
Maulana Siddiqui added that religious scholars and clerics, with the support of the government and various donors, would make significant efforts to promote vocational skills and expand them to religious seminaries across the state.
Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2024
