Utilise construction cess to skill people: Labour Secretary

The Centre has asked the real estate and construction industry to make use of construction cess to skill labour force for optimum realisation of labour.
According to Labour Secretary Shankar Aggarwal, funds ranging between Rs 25,000 crore to Rs 26,000 crore collected from various builders by way of cess have been lying idle for the past two decades or so, which could be utilised for the skilling purpose.
The cess is collected by state governments and utilised by welfare boards set up by states.
Addressing the second day of the 13th National Convention of NAREDCO here, Aggarwal emphasised that skilling cannot be the government's responsibility alone.

He urged the developers to come forward and start skilling the labour they engage so that quality dwelling units are built.
The secretary admitted that it has become virtually impossible to acquire land and even take approvals for faster execution of housing projects, given the fact the land acquisition legislation is facing various issues.
Therefore, the solution should be worked out through dialogue between farmers and those who intend to acquire their land although conversion of agriculture land for commercial purpose is another headache that the builder has to endure, Aggarwal noted.
"Skilling should be the responsibility of the private sector also whereas the job of providing certification to endorse skills should be performed by the government... Based on which those who acquire skill are made employable in any industry, including real estate and construction," he added.