In fulfilling one of poll promises, the BJP Government in Assam on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Terms of Reference (ToR) with the Government of Singapore which is expected to give skill training to close to 78,500 youth by 2019 and making the State’s capital city green.
The much ambitious MoU and ToR were signed in presence of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan. According to the MoU and ToR, a North East Skills Centre (NESC) will be set up in Assam with the help and assistance from Singapore.
“We are planning to create a workforce empowered with upgraded skills, knowledge and internationally recognized qualifications to gain access to employment and ensure India’s competitiveness in the dynamic global market with support from Government of Singapore,” Sonowal said while addressing the meeting.
He said that 78,500 poor rural youth will be given skill training during 2016-19 under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUJKY) and that the partnership with Singapore would greatly boost the initiative.
“As the State aspires to become the New Engine of Growth for the Country through Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Act East Policy, I am glad to acknowledge Singapore’s cooperation towards achieving this goal by skilling our youth through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system to usher in a period of rapid socio-economic development by sharing knowledge and building capacity,” he said adding that the NESC will train up to a total of 400 students each year who would contribute towards generating a skilled human resource pool.
Sonowal further stated the State Government has initiated an innovative Project for beautification of Guwahati City and improvement of quality of life of its inhabitants through a Project called ‘Guwahati Open Space and Park Integrator (GOPI) Network’.
“Guwahati has a large number of water bodies, open spaces, parks which can be holistically developed as one large potential area for green space. This unique Project is sought to be designed and developed on the model of “Park Connector Network” being implemented by National Park Authority in Singapore,” the Chief Minister said.
Singapore Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan while terming the initiative as a beginning of a lasting friendship said that it would be beneficial for both Assam and Singapore. “Assam is a beautiful land with hills and mountains which are full of greenery. This land is strategically located and has huge potential. We are mandated by the Prime Ministers of both the Countries to work for mutual growth,” Balakrishnan said.
“As the economy in the world is rapidly transforming, it is important to provide jobs and skills to our youth. Singapore is partnering with Assam to train the trainers to amplify the impact of the training centre,” he added.