Agartala, November 16: In a significant move towards enhancing vocational training and aligning it with industry demands, the Tripura government has approved a major modernization project for its Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in collaboration with TATA Technologies Limited.
The initiative, with an estimated budget of over Rs 570.4 crore, aims to upgrade 19 ITIs across the state, announced Cabinet Minister Susanta Chaudhury during a press briefing at the Secretariat on Saturday.
Addressing the media, Chaudhury revealed that the proposal for upgrading the state’s ITIs had received cabinet approval under the leadership of Chief Minister Manik Saha.
The modernization project will focus on introducing new training disciplines aligned with current industrial needs, thus increasing the employability of graduates.
“The existing courses offered by ITIs are no longer in demand, resulting in poor job placements for our students. To address this, we are collaborating with TATA Technologies, which has the expertise to introduce cutting-edge trades that match the current market requirements,” Chaudhury stated.
The project will be executed with a cost-sharing arrangement, where TATA Technologies will contribute 86% of the total expenditure, while the Tripura government will cover the remaining 14%.
The state has committed to providing approximately 13,000 square feet of space for the new infrastructure needed to house modern training facilities across the 19 ITIs.
Over the next five years, the initiative aims to transform skill development in Tripura by adopting new trades and technologies that align with the needs of emerging industries.
This modernization is expected to produce a skilled workforce that is highly employable, particularly in sectors where TATA has a strong presence.
Chaudhury emphasized that the focus is on creating industry-ready professionals who can meet the demands of various sectors.
With this project, the stae government hope to bridge the skill gap and ensure that youth are job-ready, not just in Tripura but across the country.
To formalize this partnership, the state government will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TATA Technologies Limited next week, in the presence of Chief Minister Manik Saha.
This collaboration is expected to usher in a new era of skill development and vocational training in the state.
During the briefing, Chaudhury, who also serves as the Transport Minister, addressed concerns about rising airfares, a pressing issue for the region.
He clarified that neither the state nor the central government has direct control over airfare pricing but there is monitoring. However, he assured that the current rates remain within the basic fare structure.
The Minister attributed the reports of high airfares to misinformation and a lack of understanding of how pricing is determined.
The modernization of ITIs in Tripura represents a strategic effort by the state government to uplift its industrial training infrastructure, aligning it with the latest technological advancements to meet the demands of a dynamic job market.
