TN to train 25,000 people under skill-building scheme in FY15

The state of Tamil Nadu has set a target of training about 25,000 persons during the current fiscal year under the 'Amma skill employment and training scheme'. The scheme was announced in the state's budget for 2013-14 to meet the demand of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) for trained and skilled workers.

According to sources, Tamil Nadu Small Industries Development Corporation Limited (TNSIDCO) will be the nodal agency to implement the scheme.

Last week, the corporation had called a consultation meeting with various stakeholders, including the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and representatives from various MSME clusters, to discuss the architecture of the programme, target and methodology and how to take the scheme forward.

While officials of TNSIDCO and NSDC could not be reached for comment, sources who attended the meeting said that TNSIDCO has set a target to skill 25,000 persons in the current fiscal. This comes amid the backdrop of MSMEs finding it increasingly difficult to attract diploma holders from industrial training institutes (ITIs), who prefer to take up jobs in large companies.

Engineers are available, with Tamil Nadu producing 4.5 lakh engineers every year. However, their aspirations are different and they also lack basic training in the required skill-sets, according to an official who attended the meeting. MSMEs depend mainly on workers who have migrated from other states. They are provided with food, accommodation and training, are more loyal and stay with the company longer.

The state government wants to reduce MSMEs' dependence on migrant labour through this programme, which was announced by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa with the objective of attracting and retaining talent from within Tamil Nadu to work in the MSME sector. These programmes will be run by MSMEs, which will be compensated by the government.

During the meeting it was learnt that NSDC had suggested that the programme be made open to all, including dropouts from classes 10 and 12, to expand the labour pool. The focus will be on training them on site and using the scheme money to compensate them. NSDC also suggested that apart from practical knowledge, theoretical knowledge is also important for workers to grow and to benefit MSMEs in the long run.

NSDC has asked TNSIDCO to use data from employment exchanges to access potential workers and also use job fairs conducted in partnership with industry bodies like Ficci, CII and others.

The programme could range between a minimum of two months and a maximum of six months; upon completion, third-party assessment will need to be carried out by the relevant Sector Skill Council (SSC).

As a first step, TNSIDCO will identify sectors and geographic clusters for a pilot programme; specific job roles/descriptions need to be identified after consultations with industries - including auto, textiles, leather, among others - suggested NSDC.

During the meeting it was also decided that a steering group be formed at the state-level with representation from relevant SSCs, MSME cluster associations, TNSIDCO, NSDC and other stakeholders to ensure smooth functioning of the programme.