Union minister of State for Science and Technology Ashwani Kumar has said 12 new initiatives have been taken for specific research programmes and advanced training for the youth in Jammu and Kashmir.

"A total of 12 new initiatives have been taken by the Ministry of Science and Technology for specific research programme and advanced trainings to the youth in the state," Kumar informed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah here on Thursday.

Kumar had a detailed meeting with the Chief Minister immediately after arriving here on a two-day visit.

The Union Minister said University groups interested in specific research programmes would be encouraged and trained in research activities under the scheme called 'Respond'.

Research activities in space technology, space application, natural resources studies and space sciences would be carried forward under this scheme and necessary support to the universities made available from the Space Department, he said.

The minister said a Centre for Excellence in Atmospheric Sciences could be established in Jammu and Kashmir to promote specialised training in post-graduate studies in atmospheric science and mountain meteorology.

"Opportunity would be provided to students interested in the research areas of astronomy and planetary sciences to seek short-term positions to work in the Department of Space," he said adding that initiative will be taken to make Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agriculture Science and Technology Model University for Mountain Agricultural Education and Research (MAE&R).
Kumar said the Centre with help of the state could identify specific projects and programmes directed towards the development of Jammu and Kashmir through S&T Intervention.

Trainings in S&T institutions for 30 to 50 scientists from the state every year for skills development can also be programmed. These trainings would get support in the form of fellowships, institutional charges, expenses for stay in University and research support besides international fellowships for 10 scientists of the State for oversee trainings in specialised areas, he said.

Kumar said special provision will be made for students from the state to work at the facility set up at Leh for astronomical observations.

He also spoke about the special orientation and training programmes to the interested post-graduate students of universities of Jammu and Kashmir so that they can take advantage of the laboratories of the Union Science and Technology Department.

The Union Minister said his ministry will support 10 Star Colleges, one in each district for undertaking high quality research in life sciences.

"This will include support towards manpower infrastructure and related costs," he said.

He also referred to the corm multiplication technology in saffron and said that his Ministry will give priority to this sector.

Welcoming the initiatives of the Union Ministry, the Chief Minister underscored the need of speedy implementation of the programmes earmarked for Jammu and Kashmir ensuring all out support of the state government.
Explaining the initiatives taken by his government to enhance employability of educated youth and boost up skills development programme, Omar stressed on a unified and specialised drive by the state and the central governments in this direction.

The sector requires comprehensive and coordinated approach to make necessary dent and achieve encouraging results, he said.

Omar said the State Government has attached highest importance to tackle unemployment crises in the state.

Various measures including employability enhancement and skills development are in place to expand the job avenues for the youth, he added.