PM launches international study center in Kerala

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday launched the International Study Centre of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in Kerala.

Singh arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday evening for a three-day visit in Kerala and was received at the airport by Kerala Governor, Nikhil Kumar, Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, Junior Education Minister, Shashi Tharoor and other leaders.

The PM is also scheduled to launch an e-literacy drive sponsored by the state government on Saturday.

"I complement the TCS and its dynamic management for this highly creative initiative. This centre will contribute towards an objective that is one of our top national priorities- that of imparting skills, training to our young men and women on a very large scale," said Singh.

He further added that such an initiative would be beneficial for productive employment for the youth in the country.

"It is only by doing this that we can generate opportunities for productive employment for our youth in adequate numbers, while at the same time meeting the demands of our expanding economy for a skilled workforce," said the PM.

Dr. Singh on Friday ruled out serving another term after an election due by May and threw his support behind Rahul Gandhi, to lead India if their party wins the vote.