GUWAHATI, July 28 � In view of the huge demand for youths of Assam in various vocational engagements across the cities of the country, the State Government is embarking on an ambitious venture involving training and skill upgrade in all the development blocks of Assam.
�This is a collaborative programme with the National Skill Development Corporation. It accords thrust on enhancing the employability of our youths through training and exposure,� State Industries and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bardoloi told mediapersons today.
Bardoloi said that the multi-disciplinary skill development programme would seek to establish tie-ups with trade and commerce bodies, besides professional service providers so that the youths could compete in a demand-driven environment.
�Youths of Assam and other parts of the North-east have a special knack for excelling in vocational engagements in sectors such as security in establishments, hospitality, IT, etc. With skill improvement, our youths stand to perform better and earn more,� he said.
According to a study by the Industries and Commerce Department, eight lakh youths of Assam are engaged in professional vocational activities across the country, especially in the metropolises and cities. Of these, four lakh are employed as private security personnel. This work force has been responsible for an inward remittance of Rs 280 crore to their home State during 2012-13.
Stating that the Centre needs to support the State Government�s initiative in a big way, Bardoloi also appealed to Union Sports, Youth Affairs and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to help sustain the endeavour.
�We have already sent a proposal to the Centre in this regard. I appeal to Sarbananda Sonowal, who is a representative of Assam in the Union Cabinet, to throw his weight behind the venture,� he said.
