SRINAGAR, July 23: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Monday emphasized the need for a merit-based selection in various unemployment-alleviation programmes and also called for keeping the process “away from all political interventions and influences”.

Abdullah was addressing a programme under ‘Himayat’ initiative at JK Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) complex where a ceremony was organised for presentation of placement letters to youth.

“The youth only need an opportunity and exposure to prove their capacity and capability of rendering meritorious service in any organization,” the chief minister said.

“Himayat is right initiative in this direction. It provides ample chances to youth to upgrade their skills through trainings and obtain jobs in private sector.”

Abdullah said that merit should be only criterion to select the youth for training under unemployment alleviation initiatives like Himayat and that the faith of the youth in such programmes could be retained only if they were kept away from politics and other influences.

Chief Minister Abdullah and Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Rural Development, handed over placement letters to 600 boys and girls who have been trained in various trades under the Himayat programme.

“During my recent visit to Kolkata, I interacted with the first batch of trainees selected under Udaan for skill up-gradation trainings in various trades. I was pleased to learn that 96 percent trainees have been short listed for permanent jobs in private companies on their outstanding merit,” Abdullah said.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Rural Development, raised the per month financial support from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per person and also increasing the stipend period from present 2 months to 6 months. “Now, each beneficiary will get financial support of Rs. 12000 instead of Rs. 2000 he or she gets at present,” Ramesh said.

The Union Minister said that his Ministry will facilitate accommodation facilities for youth of Jammu and Kashmir outside the State and involve more and more private companies in the Himayat programme.

He said a target of imparting training to 7000 youth and facilitating their placement in various companies within the State and outside has been targeted this year. He said IL&FC, Don Bosco, India Can and CAP Foundation are training-cum-placement providers for selected youth under Himayat. He said 2431 youth have been trained in the first two batches.