Inaugurating a State level seminar on education and skill development as tool for elimination of child labour here, Odisha Skill Development Authority Chairman Subrato Bagchi stressed on improving the standards of the ITIs and including more and more youths in skill development training.
Bagchi said in Odisha more than 50 per cent of population are less than 30 years. The Skill Development Authority’s focus area is on improving the standards of 44 ITIs in Odisha and connecting these it is to advanced skill training institute. Only 16,000 students pass from these institutes where as the training target is set at eight lakh in next three years.
For this the authority plans for short term vocational training. Even after the skill development, 80 per cent youths have to move out of Odisha. This is because of lack of industries and low economic development in Odisha which poses a big implication on the State, he said. Bagchi emphasized on the need to remove social stigma related to skills and bring the role models to the forefront.
The People’s Cultural Centre [PECUC] and AB Foundation organized the seminar which was joined by civil society representatives, educationists, teachers ,media and other key stakeholders.
AB Foundation president Md Fakiruddin chaired whereas Abhas Boral introduced the guests. PECUC secretary Ranjan Kumar Mohanty welcomed the guests.
BB Acharya from Labour Commissioner, Government of Odisha raised concerns regarding the gap between skill development and vocational training. He talked of the pilot project of setting up seasonal hostels for the children of the migrated family.
Prof Bijay Bohidar said emphasis must be given on quality education and quality teachers. OPEPA Director Mahendra Mallick said every one of us has to set a vision to eliminate the menace of child labour; it is the responsibility of every stakeholder.
Among others, Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights [OSPCR] Chairperson Kasturi Mohapatra spoke. Amiya Mohanty gave vote of thanks.
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