Kanpur: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched a host of skill development initiatives that are expected to help create nearly four lakh jobs for the country's youth in the next three years.
Some of the initiatives included Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKs) and Drivers' Training Institutes.
On Monday, PM Modi also laid the foundation of the first 'Indian Institute of Skills' in the country and inaugurated an exhibition on developing skills for the youth.
As part of the plan, the government has forged a strategic partnership with various industries to train and employ lakhs of youths in the next 3 years.
Also, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) plans to open one PMKK in each district across the country to create growth opportunities.
At a rally in Kanpur on Monday, PM Modi announced the launching of 31 PMKKs.
The Indian Institute of Skills was conceptualised by the prime minister during his visit to Singapore's Institute of Technical Education.
"Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, headed by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, in partnership with the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore decided to open an institute first ever of its kind in the country, the institute is inspired by the Singapore model of training and would adopt various best practices from the country," PTI quoted an official statement as saying.
The ministry will set up six such institutes across the country.
Modi also inaugurated a Kaushal Pradarshini (skill exhibition) for the youth of Uttar Pradesh.
The exhibition showcases state-of-the-art vocational training practices across different sectors, and will be open for public here from December 19-22.
"Prime Minister had shown concern about the training of drivers so to achieve his dream Ministry has decided to open up 100 Driver Training Institutes all across India soon. NSDC has signed a MoU with OLA cabs. OLA cabs need 1 lakh drivers and we will ensure we provide trained drivers," the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said.
The Prime Minister had announced "National Apprentice Promotion Scheme" in the state where the state Government has a major role in its successful implementation.
"There are only 23,000 private companies that are engaged in apprenticeship across the country. It is MSDE's endeavour to encourage state Government support and ensure engagement with more corporates on apprenticeship trainings.
"This is one direct way of bridging the gap between the potential employee and the employer and has models under Apprenticeship training has benefited economies of many countries. The financial year target for 2016-17 is to ensure enrolment of 5 lakh apprentices at least across the country," the statement said.
Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras are iconic state-of-the- art skill development centres with modern infrastructure to facilitate skill trainings in the country.
MSDE also plans to felicitate skilled candidates who have been trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana in Kanpur where the Prime Minister distributed skill certificates to street food vendors, leather industry workers under the recognition of prior learning program of the government.
(With PTI inputs)
