The state government has been caught by surprise with regard to the response to its skill development ‘Kaushalya Karnataka’ project.
While the government had set the newly constituted Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department a target to train five lakh youths in various skills in one year, the department’s portal has received 6.9 lakh registrations within four months of the launch of the project.
The ‘Kaushalya Karnataka’ project was launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in May this year with an aim to ensure sustainable livelihood to youths, either through wage employment or self-employment option.
Those interested (age 18 to 35 years) in getting skill training were asked to register on the department’s website Kaushalkar.com
“The response has been overwhelming. Each and every candidate, who has registered, is being called for confirmation of credentials furnished. Counselling is being held to ascertain whether the aspiration for a particular course matches the candidate’s aptitude,” Muralidhar Halappa, chairman, Skill Development Corporation told DH. A wide range of candidates have applied, including school students, PU certificate holders, graduates, post-graduates and even engineers.
The highest demand is for mechanical and electrical-based technical skill courses like accessory fitter, air conditioner specialist, followed by accounting training courses like accounts executive and accounting executive (payroll). The engineering graduates have chosen multimedia courses like animation, web design, among others, Halappa said. There is also demand for skill improvement in the financial sector, including insurance and banking. Youths are also keen that they improve their communication skills.
Interestingly, the highest number of registrations is not from Bengaluru, but north Karnataka districts of Raichur, Gadag, Bagalkot, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Bidar in that order (see box). Bengaluru Urban stands last with only 28,829 registrations.
It is obvious that youth in the districts of north Karnataka are finding it difficult to get jobs without specific training and skills.
The training ranges between three and six months and is free of cost. ITIs, polytechnics, universities, engineering colleges among others are being roped in to impart the training programmes. “We are also in touch with the corporate sector, ” Halappa said.
The government is also planning to come out with a Skill Development Policy to ensure employment for all youths.
* Project receives 6.9 lakh registrations within four months of launch
* Candidates include school students, graduates, post-graduates and even engineers
* North Karnataka districts account for highest registrations, which shows youths there are not getting jobs sans training
* The highest demand is for mechanical and electrical-based technical skill courses
Published 24 September 2017, 20:56 IST