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From left: Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Neiphiu Rio, and Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu[/caption]
Dimapur, August 6 (EMN): Member of Parliament Neiphiu Rio and Parliamentary Secretary for Labour & Employment Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu are said to have met with Union Minister for Skills Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Delhi on August 5.
Updates from media sources said that the meeting discussed progress of work in the state of Nagaland under the scheme ‘enhancing skill development infrastructure in NE states and Sikkim’ and other schemes under skill development mission.
‘Rudy and Keditsu are set to meet again on coming Tuesday, August 8 to discuss about the skilling (sic) projects in length. Frequent meetings with the Nagaland ministers are being organised to ensure smooth delivery of skilling initiatives across Northeast region in order to enhance employability of the highly potential youth there.’
Discussing skill development in Nagaland, Rudy said, “We have seen huge potential and dedication in the youth of Nagaland and have already realised that they have great entrepreneurial skills. There is big demand for such youth across the country in varied sectors. We will work closely with the Government of Nagaland to create avenues for growth for the youth of this State. We thank Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu and Neiphiu Rio for their unconditional support which will soon result in setting up of more ITIs in the State and promoting skill development and entrepreneurship.”
Rudy was also stated as having emphasised on uplifting the condition of ITIs in Nagaland. He had recently announced that there are two ITIs which are covered under up-gradation plan and five another that are covered under Supplementing Deficient Infrastructure in Nagaland. An amount of Rs. 1149.47 lakh has been released for this purpose. Dimapur and Peren are the two ITIs covered under the scheme. Total Rs 788.50 lakh fund has been released for establishment of these two new ITIs.
There are no ITIs in two districts, Longleng and Kiphire. Hence, the number of new ITIs to be established in Nagaland has been proposed to be revised to four, compared to two earlier. Referring to the proposal for new ITIs, the minister said that his ministry will take steps to establish two more ITIs there.
The scheme ‘Enhancing Skill Development Infrastructure in NE States & Sikkim’ was formulated in February 2010 at a total cost of Rs. 57.39 crore. At that time, 20 existing ITIs were covered for up-gradation (introduction of 3 new trades per ITI) and 28 existing ITIs were covered for Supplementing Deficient Infrastructure (construction of new hostel, boundary wall and supplementing old and obsolete tools and equipment of 3 trades in each ITIs).
In 2014, a new component “Establishment of 14 new ITIs” at a cost of Rs 6.22 crore per ITI were introduced and further revised in 2015 for establishment of 22 new ITIs @ Rs. 9.50 crore per ITI.
