Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Cooperative, and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, praised the Himayat Mission for empowering rural youth and providing them with a platform to enhance skills and build independent futures. Speaking at the Himayat Alumni Meet 2025, Dar highlighted success stories of beneficiaries who, despite humble beginnings, advanced in life through determination and resilience.

“Academic qualifications alone are not enough today; skill is the real currency,” the Minister said, emphasizing the need for youth to acquire expertise in modern farming techniques, soil testing, livestock care, and the use of artificial intelligence in agriculture. He called for regular personality development training alongside technical skills to boost confidence and encourage youth to face competition with courage and preparation.
Secretary, Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, described the event as a showcase of “stories of struggle and success” of youth from remote areas of J&K. He underscored the government’s commitment not only to impart skills but also to track trainees’ post-training journeys, ensuring employment opportunities and further support where needed.
Dar also announced the upcoming Himayat 2.0, expanding training into agriculture, dairy, horticulture, and farming to provide more pathways for rural youth success. Linking the programme to the ongoing nationwide Seva Parv campaign (Sept 17 – Oct 2), he highlighted its role in connecting people with government schemes and promoting grassroots empowerment.
Chief Operating Officer of Himayat, Rajneesh Gupta, shared that the initiative has trained over 34,000 candidates, with around 15,000 successfully employed, reflecting the program’s significant impact on youth development across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meet was attended by senior officials, including Director RDD Kashmir Shabir Hussain Bhat, CEO IWMP Rajnish Kumar, and other officers, who lauded the efforts of Himayat in fostering self-reliance and skill-building among rural youth.