In a first, Karnataka to set up incubation centres for construction workers, partner with industries

Karnataka plans to establish centres of excellence offering 200–500 industry-affiliated courses.

Karnataka will soon establish incubation centres at four locations for registered construction workers and their dependents, focusing on 10 designated sectors.

Karnataka Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board said these centres will be located in Dharwad (Mummigatti KIADB area), Doddaballapur (Obadenhalli KIADB area), Kalaburagi (Kapnur KIADB area), and Mysuru (Adakanahalli/Himmavu KIADB area) at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore.

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad told Moneycontrol, “We plan to establish Centre of Excellences in multiple places offering 200–500 courses. The infrastructure will be world-class, with boarding facilities, and include both short-term and long-term courses. These courses will be industry-affiliated, with experts from sectors like electronics, software, mechanical, aviation, management and even urban services like Urban Company contributing to the curriculum. The goal is to provide industry-oriented certifications by the industries themselves."

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“Our job is to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure and innovative, plug-and-play designs guided by industry input—not typical government buildings,” he said.

Lad clarified that the initiative would primarily benefit construction workers and their dependents. “The syllabus and certification will be entirely designed by the industries to ensure relevance and quality,” he said.

The board has recently invited Requests for Proposals (RFP) to select a consultant for preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for setting up these incubation centres. This project aims to enhance the skills and employability of construction workers, empowering them to meet industry demands.

The consultant’s responsibilities will include recommending the type of skill development centres to be established in consultation with 10 approved sub-committees. Following this, the consultant will draft a detailed master plan for each campus, including academic and residential infrastructure, training facilities, and course details.

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The preparation of the DPR will involve developing specifications and cost estimates for equipment and infrastructure such as classrooms, labs, workshops, hostels, canteens, libraries, and furniture, adhering to Directorate General of Training/National Council for Vocational Education and Training norms.

It will also include designing a curriculum for the 10 designated sectors, drafting staff service rules, HR policy manuals, and recruitment processes, as well as incorporating collaborations with national and international institutions for mentorship, placements, internships, and apprenticeships.

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The consultant will assess future demand, technology trends, and project financials, covering capital costs, land development, building, machinery, raw materials, employee expenses, contingencies, and working capital. Surveys of existing sites will guide layout and infrastructure plans, including road alignments, drainage, electrical works, and water supply systems.

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