Govt launches training programmes to create skilled manpower

In order to create skilled manpower in specialised sector, the Ministry of Science and Technology is launching training programmes linked to the industry. The training programme will be initiated by Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an arm of the ministry, and it will train people at its different laboratories focusing on diverse research across the country. "We would first launch 30 such programmes in next 2-3 months and later take it to 75," Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said. He said this is also in line with new initiatives of CSIR which is entering its 75th year next week. The courses which CSIR is launching in the next 2-3 months are related to leather processing and making of goods and garments out of it, dye and mould-making, electroplating and metal finishing, glass beaded jewellery and blue pottery, mineral engineering, lead acid battery maintenance and industrial maintenance engineering. The CSIR laboratories cater to different sectors. The duration of the programmes range from 8 to 52 weeks and will cater to diverse section of people--from school dropouts to ITI diploma holders and graduates. The CSIR's Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) has also signed an agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Caste Cooperative Finance Corporation (APSCCFC) to train manpower in leather works in the state. Harsh Vardhan said since the CLRI works with the industry players, it would be a good opportunity for people who can not only benefit from the institutes's infrastructure but also understand what the market wants. The CLRI said the state of Telangana has also approached them to train manpower of their state in the sector.