Principal Secretary, Rural Development S.K.B.S. Negi said that 2661 trainees are taking training in 121 batches under EDP (Entrepreneurship Development Programme) being conducted in ten Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) functioning at the district headquarters. He said that among those trained, 1719 are women and 1393 belong to backward classes. Out of these trained youth, 300 have been linked with banks.
In Bilaspur, Solan, Shimla and Sirmaur districts, RSETI’s is started by the UCO Bank whereas in Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Una districts by Punjab National Bank and in district Chamba by State Bank of India. The trades based on local conditions and requirements will start and demands of the industry and market. Negi said that multiple Skill upgradation will be encouraged like Dairy Farming, Poultry and vermicomposting could be clubbed. Marketing facilities for the products of the trained youth through Rural Marts, local fairs and at tourist destinations would be explored, he added.
He said that best RSETI will be awarded on the basis of performance on fixed parameters and a Committee comprising of Representatives of RBI, NABARD, Convener SLBC, Director-cum- Special Secretary (RD) under the Chairmanship of Principal Secretary (RD) will decide the awardee. He further said that Director, RSETIs have been directed to finalise the training module/training calendar alongwith names of trades and number of trainees to be trained by 30th June, 2011 so that the skill upgradation of the Rural Youth could be started in a big way.
