Labour dept takes up initiative of job-oriented training for women

Kolkata: In a bid to empower women and make them self-reliant, the state Labour department has taken up a unique initiative of providing job-oriented training to women seeking employment.

Various employment exchanges are conducting 'Prasikshan Sibir' in the districts for upgrading the skills of female job-seekers who have enrolled themselves with the employment bank. The focus areas of the training programme are handling various domestic appliances, arranging first aid in case of any illness or injury and understanding the safety measures while operating various domestic instruments.

The trainings are mainly based on various domestic works such as housekeeping, methods of child and elderly care and first aid. The women are also provided training on computers and banking operation.

The women are imparted training in various batches and each batch comprises 25 persons. Till March 2019, 355 batches have been given training by the employment department.

According to an estimate, around 8,787 women have already participated in the training programmes extended by the government. During the last financial year, the state government had spent Rs 2.63 crore for conducting the training programmes.

It may also be mentioned here that the Bengal government has initiated skill development training for unemployed youths on spinning and weaving of jute products in the 2018-19 financial year. The scheme aims to meet the demand of skilled manpower in the jute industry.

The Directorate of Employment has started the three-month training on spinning and weaving of jute. Theoretical classes are being held at various employment exchanges in the state.

The trainees are paid Rs 100 per day while taking part in the theoretical training, Rs 180 per day for the first 45 days of training and Rs 250 per day for the last 15 days of practical training. They are given free food and accommodation as well. Special emphasis is given to the centres located at the Jangalmahal areas of Bankura, Purulia and Jhargram.