Dr. Himanshu Agarwal directs to start new skill development courses for drug-affected youth at Model De-Addiction and Rehabilitation Centre

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal on Monday emphasized the pivotal role of skill development and self-employment initiatives in combating unemployment and empowering youth. Chairing a review meeting of the Rural Development and Self Employment Training (RUDSET) Institute, Dr. Aggarwal urged all departments to work in close coordination to ensure that the benefits of these programs reach the grassroots level.

The Deputy Commissioner directed RUDSET Institute to initiate new training batches at the upcoming Model Rehabilitation Centre, focusing on integrating drug-affected youth back into mainstream society. “Skill development can offer these youngsters a new lease on life, enabling them to earn a livelihood and lead a life of dignity post-rehabilitation,” he said.

He also instructed the Employment Generation Department to ensure proper placement—either through self-employment or jobs—for trained individuals. RUDSET Institute Director Sanjiv Kumar Chauhan presented the quarterly performance report, revealing that 36 training programs were conducted recently, benefitting over 1,000 youth, of which 709 have successfully secured employment or started their ventures. 

Since its inception, the institute has conducted 503 training programs, training over 13,000 candidates.Dr. Aggarwal also called for the introduction of new, industry-relevant courses to enhance employment prospects. Concluding the meeting, he released the Annual Activity Report of RUDSET, showcasing the institute’s milestones and success stories.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners Amaninder Kaur and Bhudhi Raj Singh, LDM M.S. Moti, Secretary Red Cross Society Surjit Lal, and officials from the Employment Generation Department and Punjab Skill Development Mission.