In Jammu and Kashmir, 18 new Polytechnics will be set up this academic session. Eight Government buildings have been identified for the Polytechnics while the rest will run in private accommodation.This was stated by J&K Minster for Technical Education Mr. R S Chib while addressing a joint meeting of officers of Polytechnics, ITI, nodal officers and Chairmen of Institutional Management Committees (IMC) in Jammu to review the physical and financial achievements registered in the sector. It was informed in the meeting that an amount of Rs 15 crore has been earmarked for Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode projects under ITI sector, while 10 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been approved under Vocational Training Improvement Project (VTIP) for which Rs 21.50 crore have been received.The Minister said that the Government will soon start degree courses in Polytechnics of the State for those students who have already completed their diplomas in such institutions.Meanwhile, about Rs 73 crore have been distributed as pre and post -matric scholarship among 6 lakh beneficiaries during last three years by Social Welfare Department.These scholarships were given away under various schemes to physically handicapped, Scheduled Castes, OBC, Gujjar and Bakerwal, Pahari speaking students and minority students. This information was given at a high level meeting of officers of Social welfare Department held in Jammu under the Chairmanship of J&K Minister for Social welfare Ms Sakina Itoo.