Govt marks one year of Skill India by launching 15 centres for youth training

The Central government celebrated the first anniversary of Skill India drive by launching 50 India International Skill Centers (IISC) across the country, to support youth in getting foreign placement. Fifteen centres were launched on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradhesh/Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said in a statement.

The government said that it would bridge the global shortage of labour force in the coming years by reaping the demographic dividend of young Indian labour force.

In a phased manner we will launch 50 IISCs in the country, out of which 15 centres are being introduced on Sunday in the States of UP (6), Kerala (2) and one each in Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra Pradhesh/Telangana, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Rajiv Pratap Rudy said.

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The proposed IISCs will be set up through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and will implement the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and Pravasi Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for youth seeking global mobility for jobs. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shall provide support for Pre-Departure Orientation Training, which includes language and soft skills training modules, it added.

Through this initiative, our government intends to create a cadre of highly skilled individuals who are recognised and respected in different parts of the world and make India s Flag fly high, Rudy added.

IISCs are envisaged to provide complete training and certification programme to youth intending to migrate overseas for work. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the launch of Skill India government programme, after assuming office last year. The main objective of this programme is to create multi-disciplinary opportunities for the Indian youth. The new programme is set to provide training and skill development to over 500 million young Indians in the country by 2020.