NT Reporter
Panaji
Stating that his government is making concerted efforts to ensure that no eligible youth is left without employment in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the state government is working towards achieving at least 70% placement for candidates trained in skills under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0.
Sawant said that Goa is emerging as a frontrunner in effective implementation of the Centre’s scheme, which is aimed at empowering rural youth through skill development and employment opportunities.
“Twelve training centres have been made operational across the state under the scheme, with around 1,200 candidates already enrolled. The government has set an ambitious target to train 12,000 candidates over the next two financial years,” Sawant said.
He said the scheme is focused on providing livelihood opportunities to youth from rural areas by enhancing their skills in line with the industry requirements. Beneficiaries are provided training, travel allowance, accommodation and job opportunities under
the scheme.
The Chief Minister was addressing a gathering after inaugurating a placement partners and employers’ meet under the scheme. The event was organised by the department of rural development at Lok Bhavan, Dona Paula.
Sawant said that skill development is the key to achieving the vision of a self-reliant India. He said that loans worth Rs 509 crore have been sanctioned to support youth in recent years, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their progress.
Sawant further said that 10 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Goa are now offering a mix of traditional and modern courses, including in emerging fields such as drone technology, to improve employability.
Secretary for Rural Development Arjun Mohan, Director of Rural Skills Santosh Tiwari, project director and chief executive officer of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0 Premraj Shirodkar, Deepak Sonwane and other dignitaries were present at the event.
