'Multiskill development programs and job melas for state's youth'

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: In an exclusive interview with News Trail, Karnataka's Minister of Medical Education and Skill Development, Sharan Prakash Patil, discussed initiatives to empower the state's youth.

The government's commitment is evident in schemes like Yuva Nidhi to provide financial aid to youth, he said.

Here are excerpts.

Q: How does the Yuva Nidhi scheme plan to equip beneficiaries with employable skills?

The Yuva Nidhi scheme by the Karnataka government aims to provide economic assistance ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 3000 per month to eligible unemployed diploma holders or graduate-exceeded young individuals in the state.

The scheme, discussed by the government official, not only provides subsistence during job search but also focuses on equipping beneficiaries with employable skills.

The plan includes integrating them into the government's Skill Connect portal and making efforts to facilitate their employment.

Q: How is your department ensuring the skills offered through training programs are aligned with the current and future needs of the job market in Karnataka?

I am sure the skills we teach in our training programs match what jobs need now and in the future.

The Karnataka Skill Connect Portal helps with this. It connects what young people want with what companies are looking for.

We use the Skill Connect Portal to make the candidates take a self-assessment test where they can identify their skills and the skills they further need. They can further learn the skills that they lack.

Q: What level of success did the recent job fair achieve, and what is the targeted number of jobs you aim to generate through this event?

A total of 44,527 candidates attended the job fair on February 26 and 27. Within the next 6 months, at least 50% of them will secure employment.

This event is not just a two-day affair; we are committed to providing ongoing support to candidates to ensure a smooth transition into the workforce.

In the event of rejections, candidates have the option to access the Skill Connect Portal, where they can undergo selfassessment tests, acquire essential skills, and reapply for suitable job opportunities.

Q: What initiatives is the government undertaking to address youth unemployment and to enhance skill development in Karnataka?

With our skill development portal, we offer essential skills, and through this job fair, we are determined to create employment opportunities.

We also have plans for a multiskill development program in Belgaum, Mysore, and Kalburgi.

This initiative aims to directly reach out to youth, providing them with opportunities for skill enhancement and employment. We will also be doing a similar job mela district-wise for better reach. 

Q: What steps are being taken to make medical graduates take up jobs in government hospitals?

We do encourage doctors and medical graduates to opt for government hospitals by enhancing remuneration, offering professional development opportunities, and improving infrastructure.

Because of the benefits that are already present, most graduates choose to work in government hospitals.

Q: What is your plan regarding employment promotion in Karnataka, including candidates seeking opportunities outside India?

Inspired by the initiative taken by the Kerala government in promoting employment, Karnataka will also embark on a path by establishing a company modelled after the Overseas Development and Employment Promotion Consultants Ltd. (ODEPC).

The State government is committed to launching an overseas employment promotion company, facilitating multinational companies in sourcing the necessary human resources.

This initiative aims to support individuals with qualifications in engineering, diploma, ITI, and other joboriented courses.

Already, 49 companies have expressed interest, with IBM offering training for over 5,000 job aspirants.

Q: What factors contribute to the concerning trend of educated young individuals, particularly degree holders, remaining unemployed?

The lamentable issue of unemployment among educated graduates remains a poignant concern in any state or country.

Unfortunately, at the recent job fair, over 60% of the registered candidates were highly educated, including engineering graduates, UG and PG degree holders, and even MTech graduates.

This stark reality is disheartening as it reflects the challenges faced by the educated youth in securing employment.