BASAR, Feb 17: A one day awareness workshop-cum-mobilization drive on the Prime Minister’s National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS) and Chief Minister’s Soft Loan Scheme (CMSLS) for Leparada district was held at Marto Kamdak multipurpose cultural hall, Basar today with a strong call for empowering local youth through skill development and productive employment.
Addressing the gathering, local MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi emphasized the need for self-reliance and employability. “We need to learn to be self-reliant and less dependent upon the workforce from outside the State. For this to happen, the youth of the State need to be skilled and engage themselves in productive employment generation activities” she stated, urging that the youth must equip themselves with relevant skills.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Department of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (SDE), the chief guest stated that both the Central and State governments are extending attractive stipends and financial support to encourage youth participation in apprenticeship and skill training programmes.
She urged the youth to avail the benefits under PM-NAPS and other flagship schemes by venturing beyond the State for apprenticeship, on-the-job training, and employment opportunities.
Explaining the benefits of various skill development programmes in the Galo dialect, the MLA appealed to the Dept of SDE for early functionalization of ITI Basar to enhance access to technical training for local unemployed youth of Leparada as well as adjoining districts.
Leparada Deputy Commissioner Himani Meena expressed her appreciation to the Dept of SDE for organizing the workshop in the district. Referring to the support extended by the Dept, the DC said: “With over 1,000 trades available, ample opportunities exist for our youth to acquire skills and enhance their employability. They must proactively utilise the hand-holding support and training programmes offered by Dept of SDE to upgrade their skills in their chosen fields and move towards self-employment and self-reliance.”
She encouraged young people to make informed choices, utilize the hand-holding support provided by Dept of SDE, and pursue skill-based self-employment opportunities.
Leparada ZPC Nyamar Riba also addressed the gathering, urging youth not to rely solely on government jobs but to develop skills that enhance employability and entrepreneurship.
Deputy Director SDE Gyati Kacho elaborated on the benefits of NAPS and SAPS through a detailed presentation.
Dept’s Consultant Tonuruchi Olimman presented the features of the CMSLS and the Foreign Language Training Programme with Overseas Placement support.
Deputy Director Industries-cum-member secretary Leparada District Skill Committee, Toyi Rakshap and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) State Engagement Officer Masotmi Zimik also addressed the participants, highlighting various skill and placement initiatives.
Representatives of empanelled third-party aggregators (TPAs) briefed attendees on available job roles, vacancies, and training locations. Dedicated stalls were set up at the venue to provide on-the-spot counselling and registration for interested candidates.
The day-long workshop witnessed enthusiastic participation from local youth, college students, PRI members, and aspiring local entrepreneurs, reflecting a growing interest in skill development and apprenticeship opportunities as pathways toward self-reliance. (DIPRO)