Ashwini Vaishnaw launches Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana, aims skill-training for 50k youths

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw launched Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana aimed at providing 50,000 youths with entry-level training in industry-relevant skills through railway training institutes.

New Delhi: In a major push for empowering youth, Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday launched Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The program under the aegis of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is aimed at providing youth with entry-level training in industry-relevant skills through railway training institutes.

Wishing Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday during his speech, Vaishnaw also said, "50,000 youths will be trained under Rail Kaushal Vikas Yojana. The aim of this initiative is to impart training skills to the youth in various trades to bring qualitative improvement." Vaishnaw also emphasized conducting training in remote areas under the program. The program is also part of 75 years ofAzadi ka Amrit Mohatsav.

Youths will get trained in four trades including that of electrician, welder, mechanic and fitter. The initial basic training will be of 100 hours. As mentioned earlier, 50,000 youths will be trained over a period of three years. Initially, the training will be provided to 1,000 candidates.

Training will be provided free of cost, applications received online will be assessed and candidates will be selected on the basis of matriculation marks. Candidates who have passed Class 10 and are between the age group of 18-35 are eligible to apply. However, Railway Ministry clarified that participants in the scheme shall have no claim to seek employment in railways on the basis of this training.

The program curriculum has been developed by Banaras Locomotive Works. 75 Railway training institutes all across the country have been shortlisted to provide training in aforesaid trades. Training programmes in other trades will be added by zonal railways and production units based on regional demands and assessment needs.