German help to hone skill

Guwahati, Sept 24 : A German development agency, GTZ (Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit), has shown interest in funding a project on skill development of youths in the Northeast.

The agency held a consultation meeting with different stakeholders today to discuss the various interventions required to improve the skills of the youths and to help them know their strengths.

A senior official of GTZ said the agency was now conducting a study for three states — Assam, Nagaland and Sikkim — and a report will be submitted at the bilateral negotiations between Germany and India, to be held in Germany in November this year.

“Depending on the results of the study, it might take the form of a project on skill development of three to four years’ duration,” the official said.

The agency is also looking at the role of private sector in the skill development arena.

The Assam government is taking various steps to develop skill of youths and has set up the state skill development mission and skill development board.

The government has asked the private sector to set up vocational institutes, where these sectors will have a lead role and the government will be the facilitator.

Participants in the meeting emphasised on good quality skills being imparted to the youths so that they can meet the industry demands. There is a huge demand for skilled youths in the booming construction industry.

There was also a discussion on skill development in the tourism sector.

A large number of small resorts has come up in the state where there is a huge demand for skilled professionals.

There is also a huge demand for ITI students in Assam and large number of applications have been received.