Veteran actress Shabana Azmi today welcomed the new national programme Skill India announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Union Budget 2014, saying it will be instrumental in the country's progress.
The programme will impart employability and entrepreneurship skills to the youth by merging various schemes from across the ministries.
"There are already apprehensions that our work force does not possess the skill for jobs. So it was heartening to hear the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley talk about the launch of a Skill India mission while presenting the budget," Azmi said.
Stressing on the importance of acquiring job oriented training, the 63-year-old National award-winning actress said her years at Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, shaped her career into what it is today.
"It is very important to have job oriented training in the country. I was a student of FTII and whatever I am today it is because of the training I obtained there," she said.
Azmi, who works for the empowerment of villagers in Mijwan in Azamgarh UP, says skill orientation is most required in rural areas as there are a lot of eager people awaiting opportunities.
"In Mijwan, there are a number of women and girls who want to get into the field of wellness and beauty. The government should look towards rural area as there are many hungry people waiting to get skill orientation," said Azmi, while attending the 13th annual convocation ceremony of VLCC Institute.
The actress congratulated the 500 students and asked them to make the most of the opportunity and also be prepared to face hardships along with success.
"It is always great pleasure to be part of a convocation and to see promising young men and women being introduced in the job sector. They are the future of our country," said Azmi, who limped her way on stage due to a foot injury.
The event was also attended by Vandana Luthra, VLCC founder and Vice Chairman, VK Duggal, Governor of Manipur among others.
