Let there be more Faisals: Manmohan

SRINAGAR: Almost every year, for the last six years, J&K listens to the prime minister. But on Monday, his speech was different. Rather than politics, the focus of his speech was on youth — their education, welfare and opportunities. He wanted them to excel and this time he had an example: Dr Shah Faisal.

Dr Faisal, a resident of remote Kupwara district topped the IAS 2010 and the prime minister had met him last month. “Dr Faisal has made the entire state proud by standing first in the civil services examination,” the prime minister said. “He received all his education in institutions of Jammu and Kashmir. His success is proof that the educational institutions in the state are no less than other educational institutions of our country.”

“I expect many more such achievements from the students of the state,” Mr Singh said and got a thunderous applauds from the students.

After awarding gold medals to 12 bright agriculture students and scholars of the SKUAST in Srinagar, he said these occasions made him recall his days as a student and a teacher.

He announced a Rs 100 special grant to SKUAST. He also announced setting up of a national mission to look into issues related to research, production, processing and marketing of saffron, world’s costliest spice that off late is witnessing low yield.

Saluting the teaching fraternity, the prime minister said those imparting higher education often work in adverse conditions, insufficient funds and inadequate infrastructure. However, he said the opportunities and convenience of technology available in the country today could not be dreamt by “my generation.”

“I am of the firm opinion that in the years to come the avenues available for your intellectual, emotional, cultural and professional development will multiply manifold in a new, strong J&K and India,” Mr Singh said.

At the same time, however, he talked about the “disillusionment” in a section of the youth in J&K due to the lack of economic opportunities. He admitted that even the youth who graduate from institutions like SKUAST do not find jobs. “In co-operation with the state government, we will make every possible effort to create adequate employment opportunities in J&K,” he said.

The “young leadership” that emerged in the 2008 elections are working together on major issues related to J&K. “The central government will extend all possible assistance to the state to accelerate its pace of economic development,” he said.