Rafiabad, July 25: In a significant initiative aimed at empowering the youth and women of North Kashmir, the Indian Army’s Kilo Force, in collaboration with the District Administration Baramulla, Naam Foundation (Pune), and Aseem Foundation (Maharashtra), inaugurated the upgraded Youth Dangiwacha Skill Development Training Centre in Dangiwacha, Rafiabad today.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Kilo Force, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, SSP Sopore, senior officials from the civil administration and Indian Army, and representatives from Naam and Aseem Foundations.
Members of civil society and prominent citizens were also present, reflecting broad community participation.
Originally established by the Indian Army in 2009, the Youth Dangiwacha Centre has already trained over 1,200 youth in basic computer literacy.
With its latest upgrade, the centre has been transformed into a modern skill development hub tailored to local employment needs and regional aspirations.
The revamped centre now offers three-month certification courses in basic computer education and fashion designing, along with vocational training in homemade soap and lip balm making and dry apple processing.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, speaking at the event, highlighted the importance of such collaborative efforts, stating that the initiative exemplifies the power of partnership between the Army, civil administration, and civil society. He expressed hope that the model would be replicated across the district.
The GOC Kilo Force reiterated the Indian Army’s commitment to peacebuilding through skill development and empowerment.
He noted that equipping youth with skills and education is central to building a progressive and self-reliant Kashmir.
As part of efforts to ensure sustainability, two production-based training units—Soap and Lip Balm Manufacturing Unit and Dry Apple Processing Unit—have been established within the centre. These units will operate in coordination with local Self Help Groups (SHGs), creating income-generating opportunities, particularly for women. The products are expected to cater to both local demand and the tourism market, which is increasingly leaning toward organic and handmade goods.
Highlights of the inauguration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the GOC Kilo Force, DC Baramulla, and Smt. Zarina Akhtar (Veer Nari), live demonstrations by trained youth including a karate display, a product exhibition by SHGs, the launch of the Ghulam Mohammad Khan Computer Lab, and an interactive session between the GOC and civil society representatives.
The upgraded Skill Development Centre represents a meaningful step towards fostering resilience, collaboration, and opportunity in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to a peaceful and self-reliant future for the region.
