6 lakh youths to be trained under 'Utkarsh Bangla'

The West Bengal Government has set a target of developing skills of around 6 lakh youths in the state under 'Utkarsh Bangla' scheme in 2018-19, state's Technical Education and Training and Skill Development Minister Purnendu Basu said here today.

The 'Utkarsh Bangla' is a state government scheme started with an aim to provide vocational training to unemployed people.

The Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development (PBSSD) is a nodal department for conducting all skill development activities in the state, Basu said adding its aim is to enhance employability and develop a skilled workforce.

"The state's intake capacity in polytechnic has gone up to 38,045 in 2018-19. The intake capacity in ITI has gone up to 71,379. The passed out figure of vocational (10+2 level) is 25,000 and (8+ level) is around 1,27,000," Basu said.

He was addressing a programme organised by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry and PBSSD.

Speaking on the occasion, state's Principal Secretary for Technical Education and Training and Skill Development, Roshni Sen stressed the need for an integration of academia and industry with proper preparation and skill training.

"There is an urgent need for key stakeholders to come together to bridge the gap of skilled work force and create programmes to enhance the employability," she said.

The BCC&I Director General Subhodip Ghosh said the meet was held to create a platform for the industry and other stake holders to make successful skill development initiatives by the government.