Citing China which he said has taken a big step in "capturing" world job market, Narendra Modi today promised a new strategy for youths if BJP comes to power after Lok Sabha polls, saying Gujarat has shown the way on skill development which will be pursued for the benefit of talented youngsters.
At the same time, he picked on the UPA government, saying it had failed to fulfil its promises made to the youths.
"China has taken a big step to capture the job market in the world. But as a youthful nation, we are not visible in the job market. We have to plan a strategy for the youths."
The BJP Prime Ministerial candidate had waded into a foreign policy issue on Saturday when he asked China to shed its "expansionist mindset" while making it clear that no power on earth can snatch Arunachal Pradesh from India.
In the last general budget, the Union government had promised skill development of 10 lakh youths. Till now, they have just given training to 18,000 youths," Modi said while inaugurating various skill development schemes of Gujarat's labour and employment department at Mahatma Mandir here today.
"The Union government had announced Rs 1,000 crore for skill development schemes and to provide skill development certificates to youths during the last year's budget...What happened to it?" he asked.
With the election code of conduct to come into effect soon for the general elections, the Centre will get a reason to set aside its promises, the Gujarat chief minister quipped.
Taking potshots at his political rivals, the 63-year-old senior BJP leader said, "If we do something, some people lose their sleep. But they don't ever feel that the whole country is sleepless now only because of them. If I tell the truth, they feel the pain."
Referring to his government's work in the skill development sector, Modi said they have launched 165 new Kaushalya Vardhan Kendras (skill development centres), four Kaushalya Raths (mobile skill development centres), e-skill scheme for online training programme and overseas employment centre for guiding youth regarding visa, passport, stamp and travel process.
"Even the central government had appreciated skill development scheme of Gujarat government and given award," he noted while asserting that all the states have to overcome the traditional models.
"Gujarat has shown the way, you follow," he said.
"The word 'Rath' makes some people raise their eyebrows. We do not care, they will not understand. These Kaushalya Raths will go to the villages so that we don't need to establish ITI centres. They are our readymade ITI centres."
The work of a government should be to open the doors of opportunity, he said.
