Acquiring skills is essential to lead life with self-reliance, said Zilla Panchayat CEO K R Sundar.

Speaking after inaugurating the Skill Development Project started by Central Employment and Training Directorate and State Employment and Training Department at Government ITI premises, he said despite science and technology making advances, skill development is indispensable in the professional life of any person. In the coming years, the importance of acquiring skills will increase further, he said.

Skills will present among individuals in their childhood itself. Projects must be implemented to give shape to these inherent skills. Youth in the age group of 14 to 20 years must prepare themselves for their professional life, he suggested.

The demand for professions based on skills is increasing. Hence, even Karnataka State Open University has plans to start courses like jewellery designing with the co-operation of recognised institutes, Sunder pointed out.

Earlier, speaking introductorily, Ponnampete ITI in-charge principal Shiji Cherian said next year over 12.3 million job opportunities will be created next year. However, there is lack of skilled labourers and to train the required number of labourers, the government has implemented this project, he explained. Those who have received training under the project, will be provided certificates equivalent to ITI certificates. This will help youth get jobs in the country as well as abroad, he added.  Government ITI principal P K Nagraj presided. District Information officer Vinodchandra, Block Education Officer A Shreedhar, Chamber of Commerce president Ambekal Naveen Kushalappa and district Employment officer Jagannath spoke. Entrepreneurs Lakshmanrao, Prashanth, junior training officer C K Indresh and Prakash were present.