Union Budget 2012-2013: Chamber’s comments
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April 6, 2012

Chamber delegation met Dr. D. Purandeswari, Honorable Union Minister for Human Resource Development

PuranthareswariA delegation from Tamilnadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry led by Sr. President Thiru S., Rethinavelu along with Secretary Thiru J. Rajamohan, Treasurer Thiru D.S. Jeeier Babu and other, office bearers met Dr. D. Purandeswari, Honorable Union Minister for Human Resource Development, during her visit to Madurai today (05.04.2012) and submitted memorandum. The memorandum, contained the following points:

1. DEARTH OF SKILLED WORKFORCE INHIBITING INDUSTRIAL GROWTH NEED FOR, PROVIDING HANDS ON TRAINING ON MACHINES USED BY VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL, SEGMENTS THROUGH PPP METHOD EMPHASIZED:

Indian industry to a significant extent suffers from lack of skilled workers and inadequate, employability of the existing workforce. While it is true that in terms of the number of, professional institutions, technological, industrial and managerial, progressive states like, Tamilnadu outstrip most of the other states and all these institutions collectively produce a, substantial number of engineering, management and technical diploma holders graduates and, post graduates, it is sad that sizeable number of these, almost well over 50 percent are not strictly, employable or do not possess the expertise needed by the industrial sector to straight away, absorb those emerging from the portals of these educational institutions.

In 2011-2012 National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) set up by the Central Govt., approved 26 new projects, thereby doubling the number of projects sanctioned since 2009 to 52,, with a total funding commitment of Rs. 1205 crore and some of the states including Tamilnadu, have also set up Skills Development Corporation in their states. However what is required is, to ensure synergy between the persons trained under these projects and the corporates who, would induct them. In fact many important industrial segments like Textiles, Automobile, Food-, Processing and Plastic have been severely hamstrung by lack of skilled workmen who can handle, and operate various machines, devices and apparatuses pertinent to their industry. Many of the, industrial training institutions spread across the country are not geared to cater to the needs of, the industrial sector in various segments since their curriculum is outdated and also owing to, inadequate training on shop floors. We have to provide employment not only to technically, qualified persons but also to school and college drop outs and those who are unable to proceed, with higher education.

We therefore suggest setting up of industry specific training centres by the govt. under PPP, scheme with corporates with certificate courses to impart hands on training on the actual, machines installed by the particular sections of the industry, enabling the trainees to get, immediate employment on completion of such training.

Initiatives such as the adoption of Industrial Training Institutes ITIs by Corporates to impart, hands on training on machines and improve the curriculum tailored to the specific industry, requirements should be encouraged by the govt. with appropriate incentives so that after, completing the training they could be gainfully absorbed and employed in those industries which, have adopted the institutes. The need of the hour is not merely to provide adequate employment, opportunities but to equip the industrial sector with requisite employable workforce.

2. DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS SINE QUO NON FOR GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT, IN MANAGERIAL SERVICES:

Academic education have little value if one has poor soft skills. Soft skills like effective, communication, setting up goals, self- assessment, creativity, team building, decision making and, body language are imperative not only for taking advantage of the opportunities and betterment, of the workers but also to do adequate justice to the corporates who employ them. In this area, also Public Private Partnership system could play a significant role.

We would like to mention here that our Chamber had set up a Forum by name SHARP, exclusively to impart required training to the students and equip them with all aspects of soft, skills so as to ensure a very bright and successful career for them once they complete their, studies.

Our Central and State govts. should consider setting up of such soft skills development forums, for students and those in managerial services in partnership with Chamber of Commerce and, other private organizations and corporates throughout the country.