Maharashtra Government planing to overhaul industrial training institutes (ITIs), 2500 new courses to replace old ones

Nagpur: The Maharashtra Government has plans to overhaul industrial training institutes (ITIs) in the state by introducing 2,500 new courses and scrapping the existing 600-700 ones in vocational curriculum to keep pace with the changing times, said Sambhaji Patil Nilangekar, Maharashtra minister for labour and skill development, on Monday.

Addressing industrialists at a programme organized at VIA Hall, Udyog Bhavan, Patil said the government has proposed an e-wallet of Rs50,000 for students wishing to go in for skill development courses.

“Money will be provided to those students who have financially weaker background which they could use to get training in the subject of their choice. This will enable more number of students to opt for vocational courses,” said Nilangekar.

In his address, Azeem Gupta, secretary, skill development and entrepreneurship, said, “Relaxation in rules of Maharashtra Apprenticeship Act has ensured hike in the limit of apprentices from the existing 2.5% to 10%. Mid-size industries should look at in-house training of apprentices to get maximum output from them. They can even outsource training. Also, there are 10-15 acres allotted to skill development centres and universities along the northern node of Samruddhi Corridor which must be utilized.”

Answering concerns raised by industrialists about the existing gap between industries and apprentices, Gupta said, “There must be a training period of minimum 15 days twice a year after a student has received national apprentice and national trade certificates.

“This will ensure that the employee is well-versed with the way industry machinery functions.”

He said the industrialists should propose a course design which will be beneficial to industries. The cabinet will later grant certification, he added.

E Ravendiran, director of directorate of vocational education and training said, “Amendments to the Act has limited the time apprentices spend in the field and industry to four hours per day which is beneficial to students as they can continue their education and take practical training simultaneously.”

Among those present at the event were Suresh Rathi, vice-president of VIA, Ashit Sinha, former vice-president, CM Randhir, president of MIA and Suhas Buddhe, secretary.

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