Progress on projects under Industries Dept reviewed

PESHAWAR: The progress on the projects being carried out under the Industries Department were reviewed on Wednesday at a meeting on the Annual Development Programme, chaired by Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.Relevant cabinet members, administrative secretaries, and other officials participated in the meeting, said a handout.

The chief minister directed the officials concerned to pay special attention to the technical and vocational education sector, stating that substantial investment was needed in technical education to provide employment opportunities for the youth.

He instructed that the existing technical training system be aligned with the demands of national and international job markets. Additionally, he directed the establishment of an endowment fund to provide scholarships to students in the field of technical education.To enable youth to secure employment in international job markets, the chief minister ordered work on the international certification of technical training programs.

He also directed the launch of programmes for the availability of master trainers to ensure the provision of quality technical training. Furthermore, he instructed that the linkages between technical training institutions and local industries be strengthened and improved.

The chief minister made it clear that technical certification should be mandatory for the recruitment of technical staff in government departments.He emphasized that no technical personnel, such as plumbers, electricians, or drivers, should be recruited without a recognized certificate. “Hiring unqualified candidates for technical positions is a violation of the rights of certified individuals”, he remarked and added that all departments must amend relevant rules and regulations for this purpose, and violations will result in action against the responsible officials.