• IG BSF emphasizes positive relations, civic engagement
• SKUAST-K, BSF, ICICI Bank unite for revolutionary Civic Action Programme
• Medical samp, skill dev initiatives benefit hundreds at KVK Malangpora

Awantipora: In a collaborative effort, the 164 Battalion Border Security Forces (BSF) and SKUAST-Kashmir organized a day-long Medical Camp at Krishi Vigyan Kendra Extension Traning Centre (KVK/ETC) Malangpora in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday.
The event, inaugurated by Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie and Inspector General BSF Ashok Yadav, drew participation from over 2000 villagers, spanning various age groups. The programme included free medical check-ups and skill-based courses.
The dignitaries attending the programme including Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi, Director Extension SKUAST-K, DIG BSF S.S. Chandel, SSP Pulwama Mohammad Yousuf Choudhary, Commandant 64 BN BSF Rajeev Bhardwaj, and Prof. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, among others, officials told Kashmir Reader.
Under the civic action programme, a specialized team of doctors conducted free medical check-ups, with a focus on addressing health issues among middle-aged women, particularly related to cardiovascular and musculoskeletal concerns.
In addition to the medical camp, the initiative included the inauguration of skill-based courses such as ‘Basic Computer Course’ and “Public Relations Manager Course.”
VC SKUAST-K Dr Prof Dr Nazir Ahmad Ganaie and Ashok Yadav, Inspector General BSF, during the inaugurated skill development programmes, including Basic Computer Course and Customer Relationship Management Course. As part of this initiative, they presented 15 computers to the government high schools in Malangpora and Padgampora for the establishment of computer labs and sponsored by ICICI Bank under Corporate Social Responsibility, officials told Kashmir Reader.
The event featured a vibrant cultural programme, showcasing performances by students from KVK/ETC Malangpora Pulwama, schools from nearby villages, and personnel from BSF.
Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie commended the collaborative efforts of BSF and KVK, highlighting SKUAST-Kashmir’s role in uplifting unemployed rural youth.
Inspector General BSF Ashok Yadav (IPS) emphasized the significance of such events and skill development courses in nurturing entrepreneurial skills among the youth, praising KVK Pulwama for its proactive involvement in youth-centric programs.
Director Extension SKUAST-K Prof. Dil Mohammad Makhdoomi praised KVK/ETC Pulwama for instilling an entrepreneurial mindset in the youth and encouraging them to seize opportunities to fulfil their dreams.
Prof. Javaid Ahmad Mugloo, Head KVK/ETC Malangpora, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and provided an overview of the initiatives undertaken to support unemployed youth in livelihood generation.
The local community expressed appreciation for these impactful initiatives of KVK/ETC Malangpora.
Speaking to Kashmir Reader, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-Kashmir, Prof. Dr. Nazir Ahmad Ganaie, highlighted today that a significant civic action program has been jointly undertaken with BSF and ICICI Bank, focusing on agricultural development, agriculture extension, and farmer empowerment. The key focus is on imparting skills and promoting expertise, with the aim of mainstreaming individuals into various sectors.
He emphasized the importance of today’s programme, stating that it addresses how to skill individuals effectively and make them proficient, contributing to their mainstream inclusion. In addition, he acknowledged the substantial impact of the medical camp organized for the general public and the computer literacy and customer relationship programs conducted in collaboration with KVK Malangpora.
“This year, our target is to skill and empower approximately 20 thousand educated youth in Jammu and Kashmir. At SKUAST-Kashmir, we have embarked on a new mission program, focusing on imparting entrepreneurial skills to our farmers rather than just traditional farming practices,” he said, adding that they have given them the title of “champion farmers”, signalling a shift towards agribusiness.
The VC SKUAST-K added, “It’s our commitment to contribute to the vision of a developed India by 2047. Jammu and Kashmir, through our efforts, aim to lead the nation. This is a new slogan and program we have initiated. In the coming days, we plan to spread awareness at various levels, collaborating with BSF and other agencies. Our objective is to visit colleges and enhance awareness, informing students that their role, 25 years from now, will be crucial in shaping the future of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. Our efforts focus on instilling understanding and a sense of responsibility in these students for the roles they will play in the development of the nation.”
IG BSF, Ashok Yadav, shared that the Border Security Force (BSF), responsible for safeguarding our International border and Line of Control, defends and covers these areas. In these border regions, there are numerous villages, and it is essential to build positive relations with them. Through the support of the district administration and directives from the Government of India’s civic action program, we strive to fulfill the needs of these villages. We allocate funds and make efforts to address the specific requirements of the villagers in line with the guidance provided through the civic action program.
Today, as part of this program, we organized a medical camp with specialist doctors from our BSF, Army, and Air Force, along with doctors from government hospitals. This initiative is particularly crucial for villagers who may not have access to specialist doctors locally, he said.
“In addition to the medical camp, we have introduced two separate programs for the needs of the local children. Each program is designed for a duration of two weeks. One focuses on computer skills, and the other on customer service management. We conducted a similar program last year, and ICICI continues to support us as sponsors. They have generously donated a total of 15 computers for the schools. The program from last year is ongoing, allowing children to continue enhancing their skills,” he said.

BILAL HABIB