Stations premises to be used for skill development programmes

Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu today offered station premises to be utilised for skill development training programmes for unemployed youth across the country.
"There are about 8,000 railway stations across the country but all are not busy stations. Some stations only have one or two trains coming in a day. So these stations can be utilised for skill development programme," Prabhu said after launching a book on Lupin Foundation here.
Giving credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said it was PM's vision that the stations be utilised for skill development programmes to generate employment in rural areas.
"We will soon work out the details with the ministries concerned to firm up plan in this regard," he said.

Prabhu also advocated the promotion of rural products through rail network like IRCTC website.
Railways could buy various products manufactured in rural and tribal areas and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd could use its website to market it, he said.

The minister also suggested that vast rail network of railways should be utilised for facilitating activities of Self Help Groups (SHG).
"There are several SHGs working in many areas. Could Railways use its network to promote these SHGs?" he asked.
Lauding the work done by Lupin Foundation in the last 25 years, he said, "Though there are a few NGOs who are under scrutiny for their activities, there are also many NGOs who are doing good work."

Advocating coordinated efforts for the welfare of the people, he said there is a need for collaboration among the government, NGOs and corporates to work together.
Prabhu also released a CD highlighting tourism potential of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.