Scheme launched to train youths in Naxal-hit areas

New Delhi: Reaching out to youths in Naxal-hit areas, Centre on Friday launched a placement linked skill development scheme targeting 50,000 rural men and women, mostly tribals, in 24 worst affected districts.

Initiating the programme called "Roshni", Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said at least 50 per cent of the candidates covered under the scheme will be women and special efforts will be made to proactively cover Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) on a priority basis. `Roshni` will show a "new path" to the youths being targeted by Maoists, the Minister said. The three-year initiative aims at skilling and placement of 50,000 youth from 24 Naxal-affected districts in nine states. The new programme drew lessons from a similar scheme being implemented in two critical Left-wing Extremism affected districts--West Singhbhum in Jharkhand and Sukma in Chhattisgarh -- and Himayat programme launched to address the needs and aspirations of the youth in Jammu and Kashmir. Beneficiaries aged between 18-35 years with requisite aptitude depending upon the trade or job requirements are to be selected as per the Participatory Identification of Poor. The scheme will be implemented through training partners from the private and public sectors as well as non-profit organisations. The scheme will provide training for youth from identified districts for employment in the organised sector. "The training providers will ensure 75 per cent placement defined as continuous employment for three months at higher than minimum wages. Placements will be provided anywhere in India," Ramesh told reporters. Different training strategies will be used for diverse groups of youths, ranging from school dropouts (below 8th standard to below 10th standard) to those with college education. The Minister said the funding for the `Roshni scheme` would be in the ratio of 75:25 to be shared between Centre and states. PTI