Rajasthan launches India's first skill training project

Jaipur, July 17 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Thursday launched the country's first and biggest skill development project aimed at creating employment opportunities for the young people of the state.

The union government - which selected Rajasthan as the first state for this project - has proposed Rs.398 crore for it.

The Rajasthan government would impart modern skills for employment to one lakh rural youths under this project and then provide them jobs in collaboration with the union rural development ministry.

Rajasthan Skill and Livelihood Development Corporation (RSLDC) managing director Gaurav Goyal Thursday signed agreements with representatives of 22 organisations selected as "Project Implementation Agencies" for skill training.

The agencies would provide skill development training to one lakh rural youth, including 34,000 women, in all 33 districts of the state in 19 sectors such as garment marketing, retail, beauty culture, hospitality, banking and accounting etc.

"It is a historic occasion and this project would change lives of lakhs of young people of Rajasthan who can fulfil their dreams. The state government is committed to provide better employment opportunities through such skills development initiatives," Raje said.

Raje said her government has proposed amendments in the Labour Act, Factories Act etc. to make Rajasthan a suitable habitat for creation of jobs.

"Very soon, a 'Skills University' too would be established in the state," she said.