To make construction labourers a technically skilful workforce, the State government has proposed to start a construction academy in Kancheepuram district at a cost of Rs.50 crore, Pon Kumar, Chairman, TamilNadu Construction Workers' Welfare Board, said here on Saturday.
Addressing a press conference organised on behalf of the Board, Mr. Kumar said that apart from upgrading the skills of existing workers the academy would train jobless youth in order to meet the increasing demands of the industry.
“Though the syllabus and mode of operations are yet to be decided, the academy will train people in masonry, carpentry, plumbing, painting etc…. It will train jobless youth in the construction industry and supply more workers to the industry,” he said.
The board would contribute considerably for the establishment of the academy.
“Knowledge gained by premier technical education institutes will be utilised to train workers. In enrolment, priority will be given to existing construction workers and their children,” he said.
“Mandatory minimum period of service to become eligible for pension for construction workers has been slashed from 5 years to 3 years. We plan to provide construction workers with helmets to prevent accidents while at work. We will give 10,000 helmets, a year” Mr. Kumar said.
