Union textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran has launched a new scheme to improve the skills of workers in the various segments of the textile industry. To begin with, the ministry plans to improve the skills of 2.56 lakh workers at a cost of Rs 272 crore in the balance two years of current 11th five-year plan (2010-11 and 2011-12).
It will then be stepped up to meet the target of skill upgradation for a total of 30 lakh workers by 2015 set by finance minister Pranab Mukherjee in his budget speech and the target of training for 100 lakh textile workers by 2022 fixed under the National Skill Development Policy.
“What we are now taking is only a tiny step. It is more of a pilot project. Once we succeed with this, we will expand it. We are committed to fulfil the targets set by the finance minister and the National Skill Development Policy,'' said Mr Maran.
The scheme will be implemented by leveraging the existing resources and infrastructure available with the textile ministry and the industry including the National Institute of Fashion Technology, textile research associations, the Powerloom and Weavers' Service Centre and the research and training centres under the Central Silk Board.
It will cover all segments of the industry and all facets, including training in emerging technologies, managerial skills and entrepreneurship development. The training programmes will be designed based on the needs of the industry and the emphasis will be on measurable outcomes.
“We are not interested in merely turning out trained manpower. The main focus would be on employability. The aim would be to help the workers to earn more and at the same time help the industry compete in the world market more effectively,'' said Mr Maran.
The government will spend Rs 229 crore and the balance will come as fee or contribution from the industry. It will be formally launched on October 2.
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