Twenty young men and women were recently given skill development training in leather products in Agartala, Tripura.
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The training was undertaken in the Arundhuti Nagar Industrial Estate of West Tripura District. It was facilitated by the NB Institute of Rural Technology in association with state's Welfare for Minorities Department.
"Here, most of the trainees are from those families who had been traditionally making leather goods but were not progressing technically. Hence, for technical support the government of Tripura has started this leather training institute so that their skills can be developed," said Kalisankar Nayak, a trainer.
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"In the beginning they learn to make leather bags and after six months of training we will teach them how to make shoes. You can take my example. After training, I got a job here. Moreover, this is a common facility centre and so if they want, they can continue to work here and I have done that. If there is willingness then surely they shall get work," said another trainer, Sampa Das.
The students undergo year-long training that includes both theory and practical.
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Adequate equipments and machinery are available at the training centre so that the young artisans learn how to design the right products for the right market and also how to develop their designs in the most efficient way.
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The trainees also receive a monthly stipend of Rs 1200 during the training.
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"I am a first semester student of Ram Thakur College. In present situation getting any government job is very tough so taking this training by which I can make a living and become self dependent in the future and help my parents. We can also start self-help-group or a business," said Supriya Das, Trainee
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"For the last six months, I have been learning to make various kinds of bags like ladies bags, purse, handbag, China bag, diary bag etc. I am taking the training because it will be useful in future and I am interested in starting a business of making bags," said another trainee Archana Rishidas.
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The government is giving emphasis on developing skills of the youths to make them self-reliant. The opening of production units will generate more employment opportunities in the region.
