April 15, 2014

Skill development through technical education

Tanmay Mondal
IIM graduate, Batch of 2014


To improve the State’s output, it is desirable to focus on skill development during higher education. In the last few decades West Bengal failed miserably in this respect, and consequently, witnessed a huge brain drain. After coming to power, the present Government is constantly making efforts for skill-building among the youth, so as to reverse the brain drain.


West Bengal Skill Development Mission

Under the leadership of Honorable Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal Skill Development Mission has been adopted with a view to develop job-oriented skills in students.


Technical, Vocational Education and Skill Development Act, 2013

To ensure the development of total skill the West Bengal State Council of Technical and Vocational Education and Skill Development Act 2013 has been passed.


All India Skill Contest

The state secured the first place for the first time in the All India Skill Contest 2013.


West Bengal Handloom Circuit Development Scheme 2014

Rupees 30 crore were funded for this scheme with a view to develop the skill of 97,000 handloom weavers and laborers of ancillary industries within the coming next three years.


Establishment of new polytechnic colleges

The Chief Minister has announced that one polytechnic college will be established in each subdivision. Meanwhile 24 new polytechnic colleges have been established and 7,000 seats have been increased therein. Also, 39 new government polytechnic colleges are in the process of being established.


Establishment of new ITIs

One new ITI will be formed in each block of the State. 38 new ITIs have already been established and 3,700 seats have been increased. Apart from this, 88 new government ITIs are being made.


Interest shown by private companies

In order to impart training to 6,800 persons for making garments, an MOU has been signed with Raymonds and Bengal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (BCCI).

An MOU has been signed with ILFS and FICCI in order to provide services and imparting training to 5,000 people in the production sector.

With a view to impart training to 5,000 people in gems and jewellery, an industry MOU has been signed with Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industries of India (ASSOCHAM).

The MOU has been signed by Security sector, skill Development Council (SSSDC) to impart training to 20,000 people on security, fire-fighting and First-Aid as an additional arrangement.

The MOU has been signed with Ahmadabad Textile Industries Research Association (ATIRA) to impart training to 2,000 people on embroidery.