In a significant push towards transforming the vocational training landscape in Punjab, the state government is championing the cause of education as a cornerstone for development. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration is keenly focused on enhancing educational facilities from schools to colleges. As per Education and Technical Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, an ambitious initiative is underway to convert six Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Centers of Excellence.
This pivotal project is set to usher in a brighter future for the youth and women of Punjab by equipping them with the skills needed to thrive in a growing economy.
Memorandum of Understanding
In collaboration with Rajya Sabha Member Vikramjit Singh Sahni, Education Minister Harjot Bains recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dedicated to this cause In October 2024. This initiative is financially backed by Sahni with a commitment of ₹11 crore, of which ₹2.5 crore has already been disbursed.
Empowering Women
This agreement is set to carve pathways for women’s empowerment by introducing courses such as air hostess training, beauty wellness programs, and junior nurse training at Mohali ITI. Additionally, courses on drones and artificial intelligence will also be introduced.
Apart from the ITI centers, Sahni is establishing three world-class skill centers in Patiala, Jalandhar, and Ludhiana. These centers aim to provide over 5,000 youth with free skill training and promising employment opportunities.
Minister Harjot Singh Bains emphasized that while the technical education department is striving hard to provide vocational training to Punjab’s youth, some deficiencies remain due to rapid technological advancements. These challenges are set to be addressed and overcome through this initiative.
Strategic Collaborations
The ITI centers, spanning Ludhiana, Patiala, Mohali, Sunam, and Lalru, will now be strategically linked with local industries. This collaboration aims to ensure strong industry partnerships for student training and placements, truly bridging the gap between education and employment.
Specific focus is on transforming the Lalru and Mankapur Sharif ITIs into dedicated drone academies. To accommodate these changes, the number of seats in ITI institutions is set to increase from 28,000 to 35,000.
This concerted effort promises to provide industrial units with skilled manpower, thereby reducing unemployment and helping to overcome Punjab’s persistent issue of drug abuse.
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