Dharmani focuses on skill development for youth

Minister for Town Planning, Housing, Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training Rajesh Dharmani reiterated the state government’s commitment to creating better employment and self-employment opportunities for youth by enhancing their skills through technical education. Presiding over the district-level Republic Day function at Thodo Ground, Solan, he hoisted the national flag, took the salute of an impressive march-past led by Sub-Inspector Vinay and paid tributes to martyrs at the Kargil Shaheed Smarak.

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Dharmani emphasised the importance of skill upgradation in employability and self-employment. He announced initiatives to train youth in future-ready technologies like artificial intelligence, drone technology, data science and robotics. He highlighted the establishment of ITIs at Nalagarh, Solan and Mahila ITIs in Solan district.

Additionally, a drone service technician course has been launched in 11 ITIs across the state, with 128 students currently undergoing training.

He also mentioned other courses like Fiber to Home Technician at ITI Arki and Maintenance Mechanic in Chemical Plants at ITI Nalagarh. Under the Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project, Rs 81 crore has been invested in upgrading machinery and equipment in 50 ITIs, a polytechnic and an engineering college, benefiting 6,000 students. A Centre of Excellence for Tourism, Hospitality and Information Technology is under construction near Waknaghat at an estimated cost of Rs. 120 crore.

For the planned development of Solan district, seven regional plans and five special area plans are being finalised. He stated that Solan’s industrial hub, the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh area, remains the largest industrial region in Himachal, with 3,704 new industries registered under the current government.

During the event, Dharmani felicitated notable individuals for their exceptional contributions. Hrithik Chauhan was honoured for his bravery in saving two girls from a train mishap, despite losing a leg. He was rewarded with Rs 25,000. Principal Rajkumar of Government Senior Secondary School, Arki, received recognition for pioneering student participation and the Swachhata Abhiyan. Head Teacher Mamta Gupta of Government High School, Kanah, was lauded for her innovation in teaching, authorship of the book Sangharsh se Shikhar Tak, and creating the state’s first science park to facilitate STEM education.

The event celebrated not only the Republic Day spirit but also the contributions of individuals shaping the state’s future through courage, education and innovation.