Nagaland govt. and JK Trust sign MoU to launch skill training programme

Dimapur, Aug. 28 (EMN): JK Trust, a social initiative of Raymond, together with its supporting partners, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Nagaland to launch an ‘Employment linked skill training programme’ in Kohima during the recently concluded CSR conclave.

An update stated that the programme was aimed at providing employment opportunities to the youth of Nagaland in garment industries. The MoU was signed in the presence of the Union Finance minister, Nirmala Sitaraman, and Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio.

The project would be supported by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Silver Spark Apparel Limited (Raymond Group) and directorate of Technical Education, government of Nagaland.

“India has a demographic dividend advantage and if this potential is tapped, the country will witness good economic growth. Skill development will play a major role in this. Around 12.6 million people are employed in garment industries and this number is expected to increase to 15.8 million by the end of 2022 (as per an NSDC report),” it stated.

Advisor to Nagaland chief minister, Medo Yhokha said, “Our youth has immense potential and with the right opportunities they can achieve newer milestones. I appreciate and welcome the efforts by JK Trust and Raymond for starting the skills training programme.”

The deputy managing director of NABARD, Shaji KV said, “NABARD has been working actively to support the rural economy through different schemes and initiatives. The North-East has untapped potential and we are happy to support JK Trust for implementing the employment linked skill training programme. We are hopeful that this will usher in newer opportunities for economic and social development of the state.”

“As one of the most relatable household names when it comes to home-grown garment brands, Raymond aims to make a difference in the industry by providing skills to the future leaders of the same industry. This would boost the garment industry’s growth in Nagaland, provide employability to the youth of Nagaland and set up Nagaland as a potential base for industrial growth,” said CEO of JK Trust, Ram Bhatnagar.

“Nagaland is one of the best educated states in India and the youth here have the potential to contribute to socio-economic development, if provided with the right opportunity. The state has minimal industries and the lack of skilled workforce is one of the major challenges,” the statement read.

It stated that the project would bridge the existing gap between skill training imparted and skill sets required by industries. The project would also pave the way for garment industries to set up their units in the state with increased availability of skilled workforce.

The central hub is located at Government Polytechnic, Kohima, and is equipped with advanced machinery that is used by garmenting industries. The project would be implemented for five years and train 1,080 persons and provided employment opportunities in Silver Spark Apparel Limited, Bengaluru.

It informed that the centre would be launched in the second week of September 2022. The youth of Nagaland are invited to become a part of this initiative and leverage new opportunities for themselves as well the state, it added.