Minister Bashangmongba inaugurates modern mechanical workshop at Shokhuvi

DIMAPUR — Minister for Housing and Mechanical, P Bashangmongba Chang, on Thursday inaugurated the Modern Mechanical Workshop-cum-Training Centre (MMWTC) at Shokhuvi.

Addressing the inaugural event, the minister said that the centre has been established to equip individuals with specialised skills in operating and maintaining heavy vehicles and machinery.

Chang informed that training will be conducted under a National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)-approved curriculum, incorporating simulated learning modules for holistic skill development.

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He said the initiative is fully funded by the Government of Nagaland under the Nagaland Skill Mission, while the Investment and Development Authority of Nagaland (IDAN) will facilitate concessional loans to deserving trainees under the Chief Minister’s Micro Finance Initiative (CMMFI).

Citing a World Bank report presented in the Lok Sabha earlier this year, Chang noted that India faces a shortage of 22 lakh skilled drivers, a gap that directly contributes to road accidents and fatalities. He expressed hope that the new centre would help address this challenge by creating a pool of highly trained operators.

He mentioned that the MMWTC will be managed by an administrator, technical officers and support staff. Departmental officers trained by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), along with guest faculty from relevant companies, will provide the training.

On completion of the course, the minister said that the Transport department will assist trainees in acquiring Heavy Construction Equipment (HCE) driving licences to operate machinery such as excavators, backhoe loaders and road rollers.

While encouraging the unemployed youth, Chang urged them to utilise the opportunity and added that the training would enhance employability as well as entrepreneurship potential. He thanked all stakeholders involved in establishing the facility.

Administrator of the centre, Alemtoshi Imsong, highlighted the scope of training and facilities provided.

Imsong said that the centre has hostel accommodation for 45 students with individual lockers. Training modules include simulator-based sessions for excavators, backhoe loaders and dumper/tipper trucks, along with on-field practicals using excavators, loaders, road rollers and pick-ups.

Besides heavy machinery operations, trainees will also learn electrical, hydraulic and mechanical systems, supported by classroom theory lessons with projector-based teaching. Safety awareness and basic first aid training are also integrated into the programme.

Earlier, invocation prayer was offered by Rüpfüvisie Nakhro, Pastor of Revival Church Vidima; Neingumeu Kire, Chief Engineer (Mechanical), delivered the introductory note, while Ekon Murry, Superintending Engineer (Mechanical), proposed the vote of thanks.

The inaugural event was chaired by Imtinuksung Longkumer, Superintending Engineer (Mechanical).