Rubber industrialists in Punjab, India want a skill development centre and their wish was granted when the centre decided to put up a skill council that will train rubber workers to boost the industry and put a halt to the shortage of skilled manpower that is blocking the expansion of the local industry.
Punjab has over 300 facilities, one in Jalandhar being its main facility. According to a rubber industrialist, “We are facing an acute shortage of skilled manpower. The availability of skilled manpower is an issue faced by the entire rubber sector. Recently, the Centre launched a coordinated action programme for skill development which is envisioned to be a major initiative for inclusive growth and development of the sector. We think that with the setting up of a skill development centre , our problem would be solved to a great extent. ”
While a rubber industry consultant, Pankaj Sukhija said, “The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) has engaged NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) in setting up a sector skill council for the rubber industry to train the workforce. This scheme was a part of an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Office. Earlier, the association had submitted a proposal, to set up a Rubber Skill Development Centre (RSDC). AIRIA, along with ATMA (Automotive Tyre Manufacturer Association) launched the RSDC by signing a memorandum of understanding with NSDC recently.”
Sukhija also said that the RSDC office was already inaugurated last August. The RSDC according to industrialists will continue to put efforts to make the current vocational education system its companion in meeting the requirements for rubber.
They said that the Sector Skill Council (SSC) of each industry should actively support the major players of the industry for them to have success.
The NSDC has authorized the constitution of SSCs with objectives that will help in achieving the aim of the industrialists and the industry.
(RJA)