Dimapur, July 20 (EMN): Union Ministry of State (in-charge) of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy, and governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya, met on Tuesday at the airport lounge in Dimapur. The two reportedly discussed issues around ‘progress of work’ in the state of Nagaland, from the scheme ‘enhancing skill development infrastructure in NE states & Sikkim.’
Updates on Tuesday informed that they discussed issues about the ‘current ground situation’ of setting up skill development institutions in Nagaland.
Rudy was quoted as having 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.”
He assured to work closely with the government of Nagaland to bring ‘scale and speed’ to the programs here and create avenue for the growth of the youth of the state. “We thank Shri Acharya for his unconditional support which will soon result in setting up of more ITIs in the State and promoting skill development and entrepreneurship,” a media handout from a local source informed.
Rudy had recently announced that there were two ITIs that were covered for upgrade and five more others covered by the Supplementing Deficient Infrastructure in Nagaland component. Funds amounting to Rs. 1149.47 lakh have been released for this purpose, it was informed. Dimapur and Peren are the two districts covered by the scheme. A total of Rs 788.50 lakh has been released for establishment of these two new ITIs, the updates stated.
There are no ITIs in two districts of Nagaland: Longleng and Kiphire. Hence, the number of new ITIs to be established in Nagaland has been proposed to be revised to 4, compared to 2 earlier. On the proposal on new ITIs, Minister said that its ministry will take step to establish two additional ITIs there.
“Enhancing Skill Development Infrastructure in NE States & Sikkim” scheme 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 at the rate of Rs. 9.50 crore per ITI.