Skill Development Programme on Screen Printing held in Sikkim

Gangtok: November 30, 2011

There is need to exploit vast potential in development of Farm and Non Farm Sector in Sikkim and Skill Development initiative of NABARD is playing an important role in providing employment opportunities. This was stated by Om Prakash Assistant General Manager NABARD, Sikkim while inaugurating Skill Development Programme on Screen Printing at Gangtok.

The programme was organized by Sikkim Consultancy Centre, Gangtok for the development of the youth. He also said that Skill Development Initiatives (SDI) are basically aimed at persons in rural areas looking for wage employment or livelihood opportunities both through group or individual activities. SDI also envisages
development, upgrading or diversifying the existing skills of the trainees.

Support of established businessmen could also be solicited for training of candidates in the existing units. The support of Rural Financial Institutions which have close relationship with trade and industry could be effective and useful. The duration of these SDI ranged from 2 weeks to above 6 weeks depending upon the type of activity.

Activities like Handloom products, Floriculture, Beekeeping, Carpet Weaving, Food processing, Jute Handicrafts, Food & Beverages, Front Office Operations, Beauticians, Cultivation of Medicinal Plants, Tailoring & readymade garments are being supported by NABARD in Sikkim State.

While highlighting the eligibility under the programme he said that members/family members of credit or economic activity groups, individuals associated with farm / non-farm activities including service sector, artisans, unemployed youths, unskilled/ semiskilled labourers are eligible for support under the initiative.
Specific target groups such as ex-servicemen, retired/disabled soldiers and war widows and disadvantaged groups such as rag pickers, prisoners released from Jails could be supported. This is, however, only an indicative list.

Various types of institutions like Rural Financial Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Local Self Governing Bodies such as PRI, Training Institutions, Master craftsmen/women, Business Associations (which can provide on-the-job training with the existing units) and semi government organisations are eligible for support under SDI. Although SDI aims at providing the technical skill, a broad based entrepreneurship component including aspects relating to Personality Development and business awareness etc. which lead to confidence building of the trainee may be included.

The programme coordinator of SICON, S Bhutia said that during the three week programme starting from 29 November 2011 to 19 December 2011, 21 participants will be trained and efforts would be made to ensure employment of the participants of the programme
source:sikkim mall