Ministers inaugurate new urban livelihood centre at ITI Jubbal

Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani and Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Friday inaugurated the Urban Livelihood Centre building, constructed at a cost of about Rs 10 crore, at the Government Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Jubbal. Dharmani said the facility would benefit students at ITI Jubbal and strengthen the institute’s operations. He noted the building had been constructed using “Pre-Engineering Building” technology, which enhances safety, particularly during disasters such as earthquakes.

He added the structure uses mostly steel and significantly less sand, gravel and cement, making it environmentally friendly. “Due to the use of fibre steel, such buildings are also cost-effective. Besides, the building was constructed within the stipulated timeframe of 18 months,” he said.

Welcoming Dharmani, the Education Minister said there had been unprecedented progress in education under the current government. “With the support of the Technical Education Minister, there has been unprecedented development in the field of technical education,” Thakur said. He added three ITIs currently operate in Jubbal-Nawar-Kotkhai, along with an engineering college in Pragati Nagar, Kotkhai, where students from local areas and across the state are pursuing their studies.

He said the Engineering College, Gumma, was undergoing infrastructure upgrades costing Rs 104.2 crore. The institute has also reinstated the ‘ECC’ diploma discontinued in 2021 due to low enrolment, and has launched a course in electric vehicles at ITI Gumma. A BTech. Civil Engineering programme began this year and a diploma in civil engineering will be introduced from the next academic session.

Dharmani said technology would dominate every sector in the future. “Various technologies are being used in horticulture and other fields. Therefore, it is crucial for young people to empower themselves technically so that they can keep pace with the world in the future,” he added.