Varanasi to get model skill training centre: Rudy

Varanasi will soon get a model skill training centre which will offer courses across different trades and job roles and create employment opportunities for the local youth, Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said today.
Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rudy held a meeting with representatives of government ITIs and training institutes for proper implementation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Skill India' mission. Modi represents Varanasi in Lok Sabha.
He said this move was part of the upcoming National Youth Festival, which is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
Rudy also met representatives of several NSDC-affiliated training partners. The training partners of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) will help set up these model training centres.

These centres will be equipped with the latest equipment for smart classrooms. It will also have biometric attendance marking to ensure delivery of trainings. There will be a separate counselling, mobilisation and placement cell as well.
Rudy said Karaundi ITI in Varanasi will be upgraded to a model ITI with financial assistance from the central and state governments. A grant of Rs 10 crore will be given to upgrade the facility out of which Rs 7 crore will be given by the Centre while Rs 3 crore will be contributed by the state.

The government has also proposed that Karaundi ITI should be handed over to Maruti India which is an IMC partner and currently manages the state-of-the-art Chaukaghat ITI, with due approval from the state.

In another programme, Rudy gave away 100 e-rickshaw training skill certificates with the assistance of Bhartiya Micro Credit (BMC).
In Varanasi, about 3,990 candidates have so far enrolled in skill development courses. The Ministry, along with NSDC and its training partners, will also plan Kaushal Vikas Melas in Varanasi for student mobilisation.
"Varanasi is one of the major contributors to the economy of Uttar Pradesh through its industries. The youth here has immense potential to do well for themselves and thus we are making this decision to set up an iconic model skill centre in the city to empower the local youth with skill sets of their choice and increase their employability," Rudy said.