Other States - Rajasthan   

Empowering weaker section youth to compete for private jobs

JAIPUR: A coaching programme sponsored by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) to equip the youngsters belonging to Dalit, tribal and Muslim communities to compete for the private sector jobs ended here on Saturday.

The three-month coaching, forming part of the industry body’s “affirmative action” for weaker sections, was conducted through a Jaipur-based non-government organisation, Progressive Muslim Social Circle (PMSC), with the emphasis on development of skills of college and university students.

Entrepreneurs and experts attending the valedictory session described the coaching as a salutary step aimed at improving the competence and aptitude of the weaker section youths for the private sector employment. A total of 59 candidates, who had passed out 12th standard, attended the coaching.

PMSC president and former civil servant A.R. Khan said the coaching programme comprised three segments – proficiency in basic computer operations, English language learning and grooming of personality. Assocham provided funds for paying remuneration to the faculty, purchasing study material and renting the building.

Mr. Khan gave credit for the initiative to Asscocham secretary general D.S. Rawat and chief advisor Manohar Lal. He said the industry body had been making a strong case for promotion of vocational education and had for the first time taken up a programme for the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and minority candidates.

A placement agency, Job Junction, offered its assistance to the trainees in finding gainful employment and prepared a database for them on the spot.

Of the 59 trainees from Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Karauli and Dausa districts enrolled for the coaching, 31 belonged to SC, 13 to ST and 15 to the Muslim community. There were 10 girls in the group. The Ahangaran Girls’ College in the Walled City selected as the venue for conducting the programme also sent across a positive signal to the marginalised sections.

Rajasthan Chamber of Commerce and Industry president K.L. Jain said the RCCI would be willing to extend infrastructure facilities to the course and asked the PMSC to organise it regularly. He said the RCCI building, situated at a prime location, could be utilised for holding important events during the next course.

Rajasthan Livelihood Mission’s Deputy Chairman and former Chief Secretary M.L. Mehta said the coaching would enable the Dalit, tribal and minority youths to overcome their capacity constraints while looking for jobs in the highly competitive private sector.

RCCI secretary Saeed Khan, PMSC secretary I.B. Khan and others affirmed that this initiative for skill development, if accompanied by availability of finance and a change in the mindset of employers, would significantly improve the livelihood scenario for the marginalised sections.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

‘Brand Jaipur’ winning over global shoppers
Empowering weaker section youth to compete for private jobs

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu