Swarojgar Corporation looks to uplift devp boards in Darjeeling

MP | 23 Dec 2018 | Kolkata: West Bengal Swarojgar Corporation Ltd (WBSCL) is taking steps for the upliftment of various development boards in Darjeeling, by offering training to unemployed youths so that they become self-reliant. 

The decision was taken after a recent visit to Darjeeling by the standing committee of the state Assembly, which is associated with the state Self-Help Group & Self Employment (SHG & SE) department. The team was accompanied by senior officials from WBSCL.

"We have asked for request proposals from the district magistrate on what sort of training we can impart to unemployed youths and at the same time, what infrastructural assistance can be given for development of the various self-help groups working in the district," a senior official of WBSCL said. 

The standing committee, led by its chairman MLA Sabina Yasmin, also held a meeting with the District Magistrate and other senior district officials to review the progress of work of the SHG & SE department. The team also interacted with a number of beneficiaries of the Swami Vivekananda Swanirbhar Karmasansthan Prakalpa (SVSKP).

It may be mentioned that WBSCL has identified certain aspects of training suited to the people of Darjeeling that include floriculture, mushroom cultivation, tailoring, vermin-compost production, goat farming, etc. 

"We have set a target of specialised training for 30 women from each of the nine blocks in Darjeeling in the first phase," a senior official of WBSCL said.

The WBSCL will develop infrastructure like polyhouse, shed net, poultry shed, etc. to encourage agricultural activities. 

It may be mentioned that from August 2014, the state government, with a view to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and generate employment, had started setting up 'Karmatirtha' — a one-stop shop allowing entrepreneurs to market their products directly to buyers. 

The state government provides requisite infrastructural support including training and finance, allowing individuals, self-help groups, cooperative enterprises, artisans and weavers to avail the benefits of the scheme.