Dept proposes short-term training courses for youths

Geetanjali Gayatri
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, January 10

In the first of its kind convergence between Haryana’s industry and skill development programme, the state’s Industries Department has proposed a three-option model to not only train youths to be self-sufficient but to create job opportunities.

The proposal comes at a time when rising unemployment is being raked up by the Opposition against the ruling BJP government led by Manohar Lal Khattar. The Industries Department, under its three models, has proposed that the available machinery and infrastructure be used to impart skills through short-term programmes run by government institutions such as ITIs, polytechnics, engineering colleges and universities.

Sources said the best plan would be that the industry came forward to run these courses and put government infrastructure, buildings and machinery to optimum use after regular hours. These could be opened up for the industry at a nominal cost of 10 per cent and to training providers at 20 per cent.

This has the benefit of the industry being able to impart the exact training required and, in turn, getting the exact skilled workforce it requires. For this, the department proposes that placements be ensured for 70 per cent of those who take these courses.

Under the second option, the industry and the trainers can hire faculty from the government institutions or its own and use the building. In lieu, while the industry will be required to pay 5 per cent to the institution, the training provider can avail himself of these facilities at 10 per cent. The other option is that a government institute runs its own short-term courses after regular working hours with its own faculty or outsiders.

These courses would be open to those aged between 15 and 35 and can take their pick from various skills based on their educational qualifications and interests. Once this proposal gets the government’s nod, applications are invited from industries and four or five-star rating National Skill Development Corporation or Haryana Skill Development empanelled training providers to conduct full-time or part-time skill trainings.

“This proposal is a win-win situation for both government institutions and the industry. While the institutions can earn a little extra from these courses, the industry can train people based on their needs and recruit them directly.

Additional Chief Secretary, Skill Development and Industrial Training Department, Devender Singh, confirmed that such a proposal had been put up to the government for approval. The main goal of this scheme is to refine the skills of youths of the state by training and certifying them and making them employable. This will encourage entrepreneurship and value addition to skill development,” he said.