PM stresses on need for skill development, training

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday acknowledged the need for skill development and training of personnel in the country, and said his government has taken several initiatives in this regard.

Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Tata Consultancy Services's (TCS) Learning Centre at the Technopark campus here today, Dr. Singh said, "We recognize that only by doing this, we can create opportunities for productive employment in adequate numbers. While at the same time we can also meet the demands of our expanding economy for a skilled workforce."

"Therefore, our government has set very ambitious targets for itself in the area of skill development. And, we are working hard to achieve them. We have taken several initiatives in this area. Some involved partnership with private sector of our country," he added.

Earlier today, the PM inaugurated a total eLiteracy project by the P N Panicker Vigyan Vikas Kendra in the presence of Kerala Governor Nikhil Kumar and Chief Minister Oomen Chandy.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Singh commended the state of Kerala for marching towards total eLiteracy, which he added, would help the underprivileged people of the state the most.

The Prime Minister also unveiled a commemoration plaque of an offsite campus of the Central University of Kerala and interacted with local media at the Raj Bhawan here.

Dr. Singh also held talks with Chief Minister during a meeting of the state cabinet during which key issues were discussed.

Dr. Singh is on a three-day visit to Kerala, and had reached the state capital on Friday evening from New Delhi.