Karnataka signs MoU with Tata-led consortium to modernise 150 ITIs

Apart from Tata, about 20 other companies will also be pooling in Rs 4,080 crore from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The remaining Rs 657 crore will be provided by the Karnataka government. These 150 ITIs will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 30 crore each.

Bengaluru: Karnataka on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a consortium led by Tata Technologies Ltd to upgrade 150 state-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Vocational Technological Centres on the lines of Maharashtra.

Apart from Tata company, about 20 others companies will also be pooling in Rs 4,080 crore from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The remaining Rs 657 crore will be provided by the state government. These 150 ITIs will be upgraded at a cost of Rs 30 crore each.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa at his home office Krishna here.

Speaking on the occasion, Yeddyurappa said that the new initiative of Government-Industry partnership would enable youths to get excellent skill training based on industry demand while industry will benefit from a skilled workforce.

"Modernisation of ITIs at Peenya, Hosur Toad, Bellary, Mysuru, Dastikoppa and Shikaripura will be taken up in the first phase," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayana said that more than one lakh youths would benefit annually from this agreement.

"This is not about just modernisation of buildings or infrastructure but also introduction of 10 new courses based on industries' demand. Skill training based on industry requirements will be provided in these ITIs," he said.

Electric vehicles, agricultural machinery, aerospace and defence, horticulture, smart city and other sectors would be the major focus areas.

"Over 300 trainers from Tata Technologies Ltd and associate industries will impart training in these 150 ITIs. Online training will also be provided in all government and aided ITIs in the state. Students of other ITIs, polytechnics and engineering colleges can also avail of training facilities in these 150 ITIs," a government statement added.

Tata Technologies Ltd will strengthen training, counselling and placement cells (TCPC) to train, guide and create employment opportunities.

There are 1,713 ITIs in the state, of which 270 are government, 196 aided and 1,247 private ones with about 1.8 lakh students.

IANS Report