The Chhattisgarh government has announced an ambitious plan to upgrade 160 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) throughout the state to model status, with a significant budget of Rs 484.22 crore set aside over the next three years. This effort, spearheaded by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, seeks to match vocational training with the changing demands of local companies, hence increasing job prospects for the state’s young.
Revenue Minister Tankram Verma stated that the upgrade project would begin with the ITI in Sakri, located in the Baloda Bazar area. This institute has been awarded an initial payment of Rs 20.13 crore under the SIDBI system, signaling the beginning of its transformation.
The Sakri ITI will see considerable advances in numerous trades and infrastructure. The budget allocates Rs 3.23 crore for machine tools and equipment, with funds specifically designated for computer hardware and network maintenance (Rs 1.05 crore), electrician training (Rs 75 lakh), fitter training (Rs 46 lakh), mechanic diesel training (Rs 44 lakh), and welder training (Rs 53 lakh).
In addition to upgrading training equipment, civil works at the Sakri facility will include the construction of a new ITI building at Rs 3.44 crore, a guard room at Rs 7.42 lakh, parking facilities at Rs 1.25 crore, staff quarters at Rs 11.78 crore, and an entrance gate with a boundary wall at Rs 34.80 lakh.
The government’s initiative is poised to elevate the state’s vocational training infrastructure, ensuring that students receive industry-relevant skills that are essential for the current job market. This move is expected to significantly enhance the employability of the state’s youth, paving the way for a brighter future.
