Railways to impart skill training at its facilites

Mahendra K Singh,TNN | May 16, 2015,

NEW DELHI: Taking cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's skill development vision, the railways has decided to use its vast spread of infrastructure such as workshops, production units and locomotive sheds besides skilled human resources to train youths of the areas where these facilities are located.

The state-run transporter has directed the facilities to impart training for 2-3 months to at least 100 youths of the area in skills like carpentry, welding and painting from next month.

"The plan would transform unskilled and unemployed youths into carpenter, painter, electricians, computer mechanics, plumbers and the like," said an official.

The railways also wants to utilise unused infrastructure at its 8,000 stations across the country to impart skill development training to the unemployed youth, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.

"Railway stations that remain unused for most of the day could be used for skill development, thereby converting them into growth hubs for nearby villages," said an official.

Also, the transporter has plans to use the vast railway network as a tool to market products made by self-help groups and tribal communities across the country.

The youths after training will be given a certificate from the ministry of skill development, which enhance their employability.

In his budget speech, railway minister Suresh Prabhu has said, "Railways has a huge talent of skilled personnel and their services are also available for this national cause."

PM Modi has on several occasions laid stress on skill development as a key area of focus for his government.