Ladakh Govt aims to deliver quality skills with no approved project

LEH: With the aim to incentivize Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) to improve overall performance including apprenticeship by involving SMEs, business association and industry clusters, the government of union territory Ladakh has constituted UT Level Steering Committee for implementation of Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE) project in the region.

However, the UT has not so far in hand any STRIVE project approved by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

STRIVE project is a World Bank assisted-GoI project with the objective of improving the relevance and efficiency of skills training provided through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and apprenticeships.

The project aims to develop a robust mechanism for delivering quality skill development training by strengthening institutions such as State Directorate of training & Employment, CSTARI, NIMI, NSTIs, ITIs etc.

Since being a Central Sector Scheme (CSS) with a budget outlay of INR 2200 Crore (US $ 318 million), the scheme has to cover results including improved performance of ITI, increased Capacities of State Governments to support ITIs, and Apprenticeship Training, Improved Teaching and Learning, and Improved and Broadened Apprenticeship Training.

The concerned State or UT government/ concerned authority sends the project proposal for approval to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship GoI, and after the project is approved, it is forwarded to the World Bank for proper funds.

In this context, the UT administration the previous day, constituted the Union Territory Level Steering Committee for implementation of the STRIVE Project in UT Ladakh.

The responsibilities of the committee would be guiding and advising the work of the UT Project Implementation Units (UTPIUs) including UT Apprenticeship Monitoring Cells (UTAMCs) and authorizing reports to the UT Administration, the Central Government, the NSC, and the World Bank.

Assessing and recommending the Institute strategic plan (ISP) of ITI’s and proposals for Industry Apprenticeship Initiatives (IAI) from Industry clusters (ICs) for financing under the project.

The committee would also be assisting selected ITIs in selection of Chairman of Institute Management Committee, if required, reviewing the implementation of progress periodically and providing directions on resolving the challenges faced in the operations including reform activities.

Recommending proposals to NSC for use of incentive funds for reforms in UT, reviewing and approving the annual work Plan and Budget (AWPD) of the UTPIU, overseeing Operational activities of ITI’s and IC’s covered under the project in the UT, reviewing and approving the training plans for the staff of UTPIU and of Institutions, meeting quarterly or more frequently as required, to take stock of the project and facilitate project implementation and scrutinizing and recommending proposals to NSC for foreign training and study for tours of UT-PIU would be also the responsibilities of the UT level committee.

Administrative Secretary Technical Education and Skill Development Department, Ladakh will be the Chairperson, and Director Social Welfare Ladakh will be the Member Secretary of the committee.

The committee will also include seven members including Regional Director, Regional Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship J&K and Ladakh, Principal Polytechnic Leh/ Kargil, Chief Engineer, PWD (R&B)/PMGSY or her/his nominee not below the rank of a Superintending Engineer, Senior Accounts Officer Technical Education & Skill Development Department Ladakh, Chairman, Ladakh, Chamber of Industries, Chairman, CII Ladakh and OSD/DS/US with Commissioner/ Secretary Technical Education & Skill Development Ladakh.

‘Have proposed inclusive STRIVE project’ 

Commissioner, Secretary, Higher Education and Skill Development, Padma Angmo

Commissioner, Secretary, Higher Education and Skill Development, Padma Angmo said that for now they have just proposed a project under STRIVE, and it has not been approved yet by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, GoI.

“We have proposed a comprehensive project and forwarded to the concerned Ministry. The project will be further sent to the World Bank only after the approval. And funds for the project will be allotted by the World Bank after proper channel and approval since the STRIVE project is being assisted by the competent body,” Padma Angmo said.

We hope the project gets approved at different levels since it is a comprehensive one for the greater good of Ladakh at large, Angmo concluded.