NEW DELHI:  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs today approved the proposal of the Home Ministry for extension of time period of the scheme “Special Industry Initiative for J&K” (SII J&K) – Udaan till December 31, 2018, without any modification and cost escalation.

According to an official statement, Udaan is a national integration scheme, which aims to mainstream the J&K youth with the rest of the country. It not only provides skill enhancement and job opportunity, but also connects these bright youth hailing from the ‘Paradise on Earth,’ with the vibrant corporate sector of India.

Its time period was initially up to 2016-17. So far, 109 leading Corporate have partnered with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under Udaan, with a commitment to train youth from the state covering Organised Retail, Banking, Financial Services, IT, ITES, Infrastructure and Hospitality.

A total of 34,587 candidates have been selected so far, of whom 31,903 have joined, 22,237 have completed the training, 7,649 are undergoing training and 14,694 have been offered jobs. In spite of four months of unrest, the scheme has gained a good momentum and pace of implementation has been the best during FY 2016-17 since its inception.

More than 12,000 candidates had joined training and nearly 10,000 were offered jobs.  Total 140 mega selection drives have been held so far, covering all districts of the state, the statement added.