Govt presses ahead with Skill development & vocational initiatives in Naxal areas

For the holistic development of Left Wing Extremist (LWE) affected areas, various schemes are being implemented by the line ministries and departments. Some of the major development initiatives are being undertaken in the areas of skill development. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has been implementing two schemes for providing skill infrastructure and training to youth making them employable to earn their livelihood.

The Skill Development Scheme in 47 LWE affected districts. Initially, the Scheme was approved for 5 years i.e. 2011-12 to 2015-16 and was operational in 34 LWE affected districts only. It was extended up to March, 2019 covering 47 districts, including all the 35 most affected LWE districts. The Scheme envisaged the establishment of 01 ITI in each of 47 districts and 02 Skill Development Centers (SDCs) in each of 34 districts, with an estimated cost of Rs. 407.85 crore. So far, construction of 21 ITIs and 55 SDCs has been completed, of which 23 ITIs and 24 SDCs are functional.

Also read: Govt outreach to Naxals brings success in affected areas

Secondly, there is the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Out of the 30 most affected LWE districts, 27 districts are covered under this scheme. 3 districts i.e. Sukma, Kondagaon and Latehar are yet to be covered. However, the scheme is operational in the 15 most LWE affected districts.

By running these demand driven vocational training courses, the government creates the infrastructure and environment for skilled manpower of various sectors of economy in and around these violence affected areas, and consequently provide opportunities to youth for decent livelihood.

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