Along with the VSA, eligible candidates were also able to register for other employment schemes.

The fair saw an encouraging response from unemployed youth who said it had helped them get a better understanding of schemes and their benefits.

“We live in remote areas and we are not aware of the schemes started by the government. But such initiatives help us to benefi t from them.So such fairs are beneficial for us.A number of departments have set up stalls in the fair,” said Zubaida Jan, an unemployed youth.

Around 30 financial institutions and state departments, including animal and sheep husbandry, floriculture, horticulture and fisheries set up stalls at the fair Officials from these departments were present at their respective stalls to provide visitors with information about their products, various schemes, incentives and programmes.

The state government is encouraging youth in the region to look beyond government jobs and consider alternative employment opportunities that can help them become self-reliant..