Bengal will push youth for skill development: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government will push for skill development training, so 10 lakh state youths get jobs in two years.

Banerjee's address in Bankura district Thursday comes a day after the announcement of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) setting up a centre of excellence in entrepreneurship training in Kolkata.

"We will train nine to 10 lakh youths in skill development in the next two years so they become self-sufficient and get jobs through campus placements," Banerjee said at an official function.

In keeping with the Bengal government's promise of boosting entrepreneurship, she flagged-off 48 marketing hubs or "Karma Tirtha" - a one-stop shop allowing entrepreneurs to market their products directly to buyers.

Banerjee, also the Trinamool Congress supremo, said the state government is also promoting home tourism wherein locals provide home-cooked food for visitors.

"We tried it in Darjeeling and it is yielding results. Nowadays, people are so busy they order takeaways and home delivery. We will encourage locals to provide food service. This will also boost the economy," she said.

She also batted for aiding self-help groups in getting employment.