UDHAMPUR: As per the directions of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Government of India as well as Skill Development Department J&K, a mega Prime Minister National Apprenticeship mela (PMNAM) was today organized here in the Government ITI Udhampur.

Dr. Yogeshwar Gupta, President Municipal Council Udhampur inaugurated the mela as the Chief Guest. Around 200 pass outs of ITIs/other Institutes and about 25 Prominent Industrial establishments of Udhampur participated in the Apprenticeship Mela.

The programme started with lighting of the Lamp by the Chief Guest & other distinguished dignitaries followed by Saraswati Vandana by the Students of ITI.

Superintendent ITI Naresh Singh welcomed the Chief Guest Dr. Yogeshwar Gupta, President Municipal Council Udhampur, Chairman IMC Arun P. Gupta, President Associated Chamber of Commerce & Industry Udhampur Sham Saroop Kalsotra, President Beopar Mandal Udhampur, General Manager DIC Udhampur, Pankaj Kumar Anand, Industry/Establishment representatives & other dignitaries present in the programme.

The Superintendent ITI gave a detailed account of the Apprenticeship Training Scheme. Superintendent ITI as Assistant Apprenticeship Advisor District Udhampur also assured to extend every type of help to Industries/Establishments and students in the registration, contract generation, uploading of opportunities, selection of candidates, examination & certification processes.

The Chairman IMC ITI Udhampur Arun P Gupta and President Associated Chamber of Commerce & Industry Udhampur Sham Saroop Kalsotra also spoke on the occasion and assured every possible help in the implementation of the scheme.

General Manager DIC, Pankaj Kumar Anand also sought the cooperation of the Industry people in making the scheme a success by involving the youth of the area in their establishments and impart them training as per their need or requirement to set an example for others to follow. He also exhorted the students to come forward and take the benefit of the Scheme.

Sukhdev Singh, General Manager Shri Ram Industries Udhampur and Social Activist delivered a motivational lecture to encourage the youth to take maximum benefit of Apprenticeship Training Scheme. He stressed upon the youth to stay away from the menace of drug abuse and contribute towards development of the Nation by getting the best skill training as per their interest.

While speaking on the occasion, the Chief guest appreciated Superintendent ITI Udhampur for putting in extra efforts to promote this youth friendly scheme in Udhampur District. He called upon the Industry representatives to come forward and enroll maximum students as per their requirement to make this scheme successful in the District. He also called upon the students to take maximum benefit of this "Earn while you learn Scheme".

Later, the Chief Guest felicitated the Industry/Establishment representatives, District officers/officials with mementos.

In the end Chairman IMC & Superintendent Govt. ITI Udhampur presented a memento to the Chief Guest.

Man Mohan Raj, Senior faculty ITI Udhampur presented vote of thanks.