SHILLONG, June 22 � Meghalaya would set up three skill development �centres of excellence� to train students in the manufacturing sector.
The three centres would be built in collaboration with US-based computer software company, Parametric Technology Corporation (PTC) Limited which would set up the three centres, one each at Tura, Shillong and Jowai, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma informed after a Cabinet decision here on Thursday.
PTC would fund 90 per cent of the Rs 160 crore project, while the State Government would contribute the rest of the fund. �In each of the centres, 2500 students would be enrolled,� Sangma said.
The three centres, which Sangma termed as �centres of excellence� would be set up in the existing polytechnic centres of the State. The three year course would begin from this year.
The Chief Minister said that the centres would impart skills in the manufacturing sector and high-end courses such as development of machines, advanced tool making and similar other courses.
Students from the State can avail the course free of cost, but some seats would be kept aside for students from outside the State, for which a fee would be charged, he added.
Sangma was of the opinion that the manufacturing sector would see a boom in the near future and these courses would make the students �industry-ready.� �China is an ageing economy. Many of the manufacturing units would be shifting from China to other regions and India with a young population would gain. So these courses would help students to take up jobs in the manufacturing sector,� Sangma said.
