HUNARMAND Naujwan Programme launched by Punjab Chief Usman Buzdar on Saturday is comprehensive keeping in view modern day high-tech requirements. Rs 1.5 billion worth programme goes beyond training the youth in conventional skills such as plumbing and auto mechanics to a set of demand driven high end technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Cloud Computing, Advanced Programming/Coding, Gaming Technologies etc.
Punjab CM and his team deserve appreciation for coming up with much needed programme, successful implementation of which is expected to train additional one hundred thousand youth annually and will go a long way in promoting entrepreneurship as well as enhance youth employment both at domestic and international markets. The youth must take full benefit from this technical programme as it will open doors of economic opportunities for them and we are confident that provincial government will also put in place best trainers and faculty to equip the youth with these advanced technologies. Both technical institutes and the youth must also understand that it is not mere certificate or diploma but sound practical skills they hone that matters the most in the job market. Thus focus must remain on quality of training and linkages should also be established with industries to absorb best quality workforce. Doing so will also help the country move forward on the path of knowledge and skilled-based economy. Industries being established, as part of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) should also be enlisted to provide internships and training for students of this system so that full impact of CPEC can be brought out to the advantage of Pakistan.
Hunarmand Naujwan Programme also envisages training of 11,655 women in nineteen courses. Since women constitute about half of our population, therefore, we will suggest to further enhance their quota in the programme so that they could also be economically empowered and contribute significantly to development of the country. Given the importance of technical training it is also imperative that other provinces also increase funding for technical trainings and come up with modern training programmes keeping in view best international practices to make Pakistan self reliant and high tech giant in future. To achieve this objective, technical institutes should be upgraded as well as their network is expanded so that the youth can get training close to their homes.