Mysuru: Karnataka’s first Multi-Skill Development Centre (MSDC), which was set up by the state govt in Choranahalli in the Varuna assembly segment represented by CM Siddaramaiah, is yet to take off.The state govt announced setting up of the facility in the 2024 budget at a cost of Rs 135 crore. Though a two-storeyed building was constructed at Choranahalli, MSDC is yet to start functioning.The skill development, entrepreneurship and livelihood department was prepared to operate the centre with the support of Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and the Govt Tools and Training Centre (GTTC), but the delay in procuring the equipment and the installation of machine tools at the centre, due to the delay in releasing funds by the state govt, crippled the activities of the centre.VTU handed over the two-storeyed building to the skill development, entrepreneurship and livelihood department and was ready with teaching faculty to teach the beneficiaries chosen by the govt for improvement of skills. However, installation of necessary equipment at the centre did not begin even after two years of sanctioning the project.The centre is aimed at bridging the skill gap, providing skilled manpower to industries, and offering jobs to unemployed youths after training them. Candidates will be trained under one roof after being selected from different districts of the state. Yuva Nidhi beneficiaries of the state govt will also be trained at the centre, depending upon the areas of their interest they want to learn.They will be trained in different skills, including plumbing, welding, carpentry, electrician work, electronics, mechanic work, computer applications training, jewellery making, children’s articles making, and tailoring. They will also be trained in future technologies, including aviation technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and other software and technological skills.The MSDC will act like an incubation centre for unemployed youths across the state lacking skills.Speaking to TOI, district skill development training officer N Narayanamurthy said that even though the building is ready for the centre, the department floated a tender for the installation of machines and also sought funds for the purchase of machines. “Once the tender is finalised, the department will buy the machines, install them, and complete the work in the next three to four months,” he said.Once the installation of machines is completed and the centre opens, it will invite applications for skill development training from candidates across the state, he noted. Candidates who have passed Class 8, SSLC, PUC, degree, diploma, and others will be trained under one roof, he said.“As Mysuru is developing rapidly after the state capital, Bengaluru, the state govt must complete all the pending work of the MSDC, including the installation of machines, and start the centre as early as possible. It will help to improve in the skill development of our youths, which is very much needed to cater to industries,” Rajappa, state unorganised labourers association president, said.
