As a long term measure to fight the menace of naxalism, the Orissa government plans to set up Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in 5 naxal affected districts of the state. It will cover 25 blocks in the districts of Deogarh, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Sambalpur and Raygada.
Eight blocks in Raygada district have been identified for setting up of ITIs. They are Bisam Cuttack, Chandrapur, Gudari, Gunpur, Kalyansinghpur, Kasipur, Kolnara, Ramanguda. Similarly, the government has identified 5 blocks in Sambalpur , 6 blocks in Malkangiri , 4 blocks in Gajapati and 2 blocks in Deogarh district to set up ITIs.
These ITIs will be set up on a priority basis with a view to divert the energy of the youth towards constructive activities.
Apart from being instrumental in promoting technical training, these institutions are expected to help in creating self or wage employment among the disgruntled youth.
The state government has already started discussion with major industrial houses to assess their skilled manpower requirement. Basing upon their requirement, the trade curriculum of these ITIs will be prepared which will ensure job to each of the youth trained.
“The government plans to promote employment opportunities among the unemployed youths of these districts through ITIs. We are talking to major industries about the type of manpower they require”, an official of the state industry department said.
Besides the Skill Development Initiative Scheme (SDIS), the state government is trying to promote employment among the tribal youths through employment mission. The state government is also contemplating to introduce a short term course for training the unemployed youth.
The State Council of Technical Education and Vocational Training will certify these courses which will have both theory and practical component. The Union government has already sanctioned Rs 75 lakh to the Orissa government under SDIS.
The Union government has identified 33 districts in the country spread over 8 states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh with a high prevalence of naxalism for this scheme.
Since most of these blocks in these districts do not have ITI or Industrial Training Centres (ITCs), there are no opportunities for the youth to acquire skill in these areas.
This acts as a major constraint in getting gainful employment. failing to get employed, these youths become vulnerable to be lured for various disruptive activities.
Sources said, this has necessitated formulation of strategies for systematic development of these areas. Keeping that in view, the Government of India (GoI) launched SDIS last fiscal with a view to train 1 million persons by 2012.
Under the scheme, short term modular courses and training delivery is being made flexible which could be located on site of off site depending on the convenience of the trainees.The total cost of the training under the scheme is borne by the Union government.
The main objective of the scheme is that the training will be as per the requirement of the industry so that the trainees are suitably placed immediately after the completion of the training.
Meanwhile, the Union government has suggested the Orissa government to identify and empanel credible vocational training institutes to impart quality training in these areas. These vocational training providers should get their requirement from the industry and place trainees after the completion of the training.
In case such credible vocational training providers are not available in these areas, various ITIs, Advanced Training Institutes, Regional Vocational Training Institutes for Women will be contacted.
However, as a long term strategy, new ITIs/ITCs will be opened in these un-serviced blocks so that a quality training infrastructure is available at the door steps of the youth. Apex industry bodies and corporates are being involved in setting up these institutions, sources added.
