CM Mann inaugurates multi-skill development centre, renovated ITI
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the world skill campus of excellence, comprising the renovated Industrial Training Institute (ITI) and multi-skill development centre (MSDC) here on Thursday.
The 20-acre campus has the capacity to provide skill training and facilitate job placements for over 3,000 students annually.
Speaking on the occasion, Mann lauded the contribution of Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Sahney, who adopted the project and contributed over Rs 5 crore from the MPLAD fund and his own resources to upgrade and modernise it.
Calling it a new milestone in the field of education, the CM said the Punjab government has launched a massive campaign against drug abuse and was ensuring that the youth get quality education and employment opportunities in the state. Mann added that Punjabis have the skills and can set an example by excelling in various fields.
Education Minister Harjot Bains said Ludhiana has got the best ITI in the state. He said earlier only 50-60 per cent seats were being filled up in the ITIs but the government has now ensured a 97 per cent admission rate despite increasing the number of seats every year.
The MSDC will provide free-of-charge skill courses to the youth in disciplines such as artificial intelligence, aviation, hospitality and tourism, agriculture skill development, fashion designing, beauty and wellness, nursing, CNC programming, welding, and other courses accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
The upgrades include cutting-edge technology such as robotic welders, 3D printing machines, CNC machines, digital classrooms with audio-video set ups and advanced training labs.
Sahney said the industries had been suffering from stagnation and there was brain drain from the state, but the campaign initiated by the government to develop skills of the youth will yield good results.
He added that the industrialists have also played a key role and have assured that 5,000 youth trained from this centre will be provided jobs every year.
Students faint at the venue
Several students fainted while waiting endlessly for the CM to arrive at the venue in the hot weather conditions. Instead of going to schools, they were called to attend the function at 10 am and were made to stand under the scorching sun for over four hours till the chief guest arrived around 2 pm, causing dehydration and sunstroke to many.
