Adani Group has entered into a pact with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to train 300,000 youth across the country by 2022.
As a part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), over 40,000 youth will be trained and assisted towards attaining employment per year, the company said in a statement.
To be spearheaded by the Adani Skill Development Center in partnership with the NSDC, the initiative is the brainchild of Adani Foundation, which is the philanthropic, CSR and sustainability arm of the Adani Group.
"Skill development is integral to nation-building and inclusive socio-economic development. We are committed to the government's 'Skill India' initiative which aims to train millions of youth across some of the most remote & underdeveloped parts of the country," Adani Foundation Head- Skill Development Jatin Trivedi said.
"ASDC, with the support of NSDC will facilitate some of the most sought after skills to youths, which will enable broad-based & sustainable economic growth," Trivedi added.
The project involves dredging 1.1 million cubic metres
of soil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed of on land.
Asked for her reaction to the letter opposing the project, Palaszczuk quipped, "Those who are writing such letters have good jobs. I know how tough the people are doing in my state."
"We have had some closure of companies like Queensland Nickel, and the Clive Palmer's. With the downturn in the resources industry I have had other mine closures," she said.
"This project is not just a sign of confidence in Queensland. This project by the Adanis is a sign of confidence in regional jobs for families. It will give them such a boost. And all the mayors have commented about that on this trip," the premier said.
She said the Adanis have committed to create 10,000 direct jobs and many thousands indirectly.
Strongly backing the project, Palaszczuk, however, refused to set a time-line for the project, saying "that's a matter for the federal parliament. I understand that we are getting a report back today (last Friday when the interview took place)."
"So, hopefully they will be able to debate it. I know it's very hot on my Prime Minister's agenda. So I am quite sure they will debate it as soon as they possibly can," the premier said.
She also said that the federal parliament will sit in the near future to get the piece of legislation through as the project is a high priority for them.
Asked if her government is ready to offer any warranty for the project against public protest even after the final federal approvals, Palaszczuk said the Australian laws do not provide any such provisions by a state but the federal government can do that.
"Also, there is a legislation pending with the federal parliament in this regard which will insulate large infrastructure projects from public disruption. That federal legislation is before the national parliament at the moment," she said.
"It's been introduced and so that will be debated. But that is the sphere of the federal government and not the state government. So the project is happening in Queensland which I fully support. My government fully supports it," she said.
"I have brought eight regional mayors with me here to India to show our support. We have had a fantastic meeting today (March 17), and tonight with Adani and the board members," she said.
