Unemployment reduced by 40 percent in Bengal, says Central report

MP | Kolkata: With a series of steps taken by the Mamata Banerjee government, unemployment has reduced by 40 percent in the state, as per a report of the Centre.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in the state Assembly on Thursday: "As per the report of the Central government, unemployment in the state has gone down by around 40 percent."

In the past seven years, a series of steps starting from setting up of ITIs to developing infrastructure for more investment were taken, which helped in generation of job opportunities. Moreover, many have become self-dependent as well.

The Chief Minister said: "Three hundreds ITIs were set up in the state." It may be mentioned that setting up of the ITIs has ensured skill development training for a large section of job aspirants.

The Chief Minister further said: "Utkarsh Bangla has been introduced in a bid to ensure a better skill development programme. A committee was also formed with Amit Mitra, the state Finance minister, as its chairman and every year, around 6 lakh students undertake training." It may be mentioned that Utkarsh Bangla is a placement-linked skill development initiative. Moreover, an e-governance portal of Utkarsh Bangla, which is a flagship scheme of skill development in the state, was introduced for various purposes, including candidate registration, empanelment of training partners, etc. The portal also assists in maintaining transparency and at the same time, ensures better accessibility in reaching out to the unemployed youth in every part of the state. It will also act as a medium for various companies and organisations to search for skilled youths, as per their requirement. Utkarsh Bangla is making youths "industry-ready" and increasing their opportunities to bag a job.

While replying to a question in the state Assembly, Technical Education and Training and Skill Development minister Purnendu Basu said the process of getting admission in ITIs has been made simpler for the benefit of the youths who are interested in undertaking training. He also informed the House that steps have been taken for better functioning of around 22 ITIs and tenders have been floated for the same. The process will get completed soon and the 22 ITIs will again start functioning properly.