Jammu, March 25, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday emphasized the need to promote a strong start-up culture, entrepreneurship, and skill development to drive the Union Territory’s economic growth.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Jammu chapter of the Indian Society for Training and Development (ISTD), the Lieutenant Governor said education must go beyond textbooks and focus on preparing students for real-world challenges and opportunities.
“We should focus on soft skills, research, entrepreneurship, and a start-up culture. The education sector must transform through mentoring and academia–industry collaboration,” he said.
Highlighting the evolving nature of global challenges, LG Sinha stressed that solutions require collective effort and collaboration across sectors. He urged stakeholders to build a strong professional ecosystem through networking, sharing best practices, and providing national and international exposure.
He called upon the ISTD Jammu chapter to prioritise job creation, enhance the global competitiveness of local talent, and strengthen training and research initiatives. He also emphasized deeper collaboration between academia and industry, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing.
Underscoring the importance of modernising agriculture, the Lieutenant Governor said farmers must be trained in scientific techniques, resource management, and climate-resilient practices. He stressed the need to improve productivity while ensuring efficient use of resources and better market access.
“The future is full of challenges but also immense opportunities. We must equip ourselves to seize them,” he remarked, adding that continuous upskilling is essential as the industrial ecosystem undergoes rapid transformation.
He also highlighted the importance of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance, stating that empowered institutions and skilled individuals are key to achieving inclusive growth.
Calling trained professionals the “real instrument of change,” LG Sinha said their role would be central in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future and contributing to India’s larger development goals.
