Bengaluru: To realise the objective of up-skilling the youth workforce through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and upgrading 150 ITIs into Technology Hubs, a unique programme ‘Udyoga’ will be undertaken at a cost of Rs. 5,000 crores by the State Government, Deputy Chief Minister and Higher Education Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwathnarayan.

Talking to reporters here yesterday in connection with World Youth Skills Day and month-long activities to be held as part of this, the Minister said ‘Udyoga’ will be launched in the month of October. This includes construction of buildings, refurbishing 78 old laboratories, setting up of 72 new labs among many other things. 

To impart international quality of training, ITIs have tied up with leading industrial enterprises and the curriculum has been revamped. Apprenticeship was being focused and the Government of India has announced an incentive for 30,000  apprentices.

He said the State has 24 world-class GTTCs (Government Tool Room & Training Centre) and 6 more would be added soon. Besides, ‘Knowledge Skill Initiative’ would be implemented in all Schools by the Task Force.

The Karnataka Germany Technology Training Institutes (KGTTI) would be established in Belagavi and Mangaluru to increase its number to 7 in the State.

Silk Hub

Dr. Ashwathnarayan said a ‘Skill Hub’ which was being set up in Ramanagara by integrating all the programmes taken up for skill development by various Departments, would be launched next week and virtual labs will be established under ‘e-koushalya.’

Selvakumar, Secretary, Department  of Skill Development, Harish, Commissioner, Employment & Industrial Training, Ashwin, Managing Director, e-koushalya Karnataka, Manjusri, Executive Director, NRLM and Raghavendra, Managing Director, GTTC, were present.