Agartala, Nov 16, 2024, TRIPURATIMES Desk

Agartala, Nov 16: The Tripura government is set to upgrade 19 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) through an advanced technology initiative in collaboration with Tata. 

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this collaboration will be signed shortly, according to Minister for Food, Tourism and Transport Sushanta Chowdhury.
Addressing a press conference at the state secretariat on Saturday, he explained that the state’s industry department has partnered with Tata to introduce their technology in ITIs, a step aimed at fulfilling the Prime Minister's 'Startup India' vision. Currently, existing ITI systems are not sufficiently contributing to skill development, which has resulted in poor job placement opportunities for young people. This new partnership is expected to address this gap.

Tata will collaborate across 19 departments, with the project running over five years at an estimated cost of Rs. 683.27 crore. Of this amount, Tata will contribute 86 percent, while the state government will cover the remaining 14 percent. The modernization effort will involve upgrading a total of 19 ITIs using Tata's technology across 13,000 square feet. New courses will be introduced, aimed at improving skills and enhancing job placements. The government has allocated Rs. 112 crore towards this initiative.

In addition, Chowdhury discussed the criticism surrounding increased airfares on the Agartala-Kolkata route. He clarified that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) constantly monitors fare adjustments. Responding to questions regarding civil aviation pricing, it was noted that fares are regulated as per rules, and the central government does not control ticket prices. While 60 percent of seats are available at a base rate, emergency bookings are priced higher.

Director of Industries and Commerce Viswashree B. and Additional Secretary, Transport- Subrata Chowdhury were also present in the press conference.