Kolkata: Tata Metaliks Limited (TML), one of India’s leading foundry grade pig iron and ductile iron pipes manufacturers, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Paschim Banga Society for Skill Development (PBSSD) to set up a skill development centre (SDC) in Midnapore district as part of its corporate social responsibility and affirmative action initiative.
The MoU was signed by Sanjiv Paul, MD, TML, with PBSSD in the presence of Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, at Nabanna – the state’s administrative headquarters. The chief minister expressed her happiness on the occasion and assured full support of the state government for the success of the skill development centre. PBSSD is an autonomous body under the Department of Technical Education, Training and Skill Development, Government of West Bengal.
This initiative will equip the underprivileged youth of the local community in and around TML’s plant at Kharagpur with skills that will enable them to earn a sustainable livelihood either through employment or as entrepreneurs.
As per the MoU, the SDC will operate from a building belonging to PBSSD located within the campus of ITI, Midnapore. TML will train 1,000 – 1,200 youth annually through a reputed National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) approved training partner in short-term vocational courses. The initial focus will be on plumbing, electrician, carpentry, beauty and wellness, hospitality and security courses. Besides training in state-of-the-art laboratories for various trades, all trainees will also be provided soft skills and basic computer training.
The SDC will be scaled up with more courses and number of trainees in due course. All successful trainees will receive NSDC certification and support for placement/ entrepreneurship opportunities.
Speaking on the development, Mr Paul said: “As part of company’s CSR initiative, Tata Metaliks seeks to launch a transformative intervention and help the surrounding community to move up the socio-economic ladder at a rapid pace. Our vision is to equip the unemployed and under-employed youth with right skills and competency, support them in their entrepreneurship efforts and, thereby, lead them to sustained livelihoods.”
TML believes that skill development is the key to India’s economic growth in the future as the country transforms itself into an internationally competitive economy.
