(Archana Sethi) To upskill the youth of the state by imparting them industry relevant training and to make Punjab a leading state in the country in the field of skill development, Punjab Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister Harjot Singh Bains has demanded the Central Government to set up Indian Institute of Skills in Ludhiana and five ITI Hubs across the state. Bains made these demands during the Regional Conference of Skill Ministers chaired by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary.
Addressing the conference, Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that Ludhiana is a suitable place for Indian Institute of Skills. He said that 20 acres of land is available in this industrial city for this purpose. Highlighting Punjab’s excellent progress in technical education, Bains said that the state will start its first ITI from the year 2022. The number of seats in ITI has been increased from 25,000 to 52,000, which is more than double. He said that the admission rate is estimated to increase from 60% last year to 98% this year, while ensuring optimal utilization of infrastructure and making the youth more skilled.
He said that the Punjab Government has made tremendous progress in technical education. He said that 814 new trades have been introduced to meet the needs of the industry and market demand in place of the old courses. These trades have been developed after extensive consultations with industry partners and Industrial Management Committees (IMCs) to impart in-demand skills to the students and enhance their employability and job readiness.
The Education Minister said that the Punjab Government has entered into significant partnerships with industry giants including Sonalika, Hero etc to fill the skill gap. He further said that these partnerships are being done through ITI. The programme helps graduates acquire both recognised qualifications and practical industrial skills.
Bains said Punjab has launched its first B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering (Industry Integrated) programme at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU), Bathinda with the help of Faridabad-based Victura Technologies Pvt Ltd (VTPL). This is the first course in the country under which students will be a part of the industry from the first semester itself and the Industry Campus will be considered as a sought-after campus of the university.
