ADB to grant Rs. 1,500-crore to M.P. for skill development

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has decided to give around Rs. 1,500 crore (USD 240 million) for skill development in Madhya Pradesh.

“The ADB has cleared our proposal for grant of Rs. 1,500 crore for skill development in the State,” M.P. Technical and Higher Education Minister Umashankar Gupta told reporters here.

He said that 906 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) were operational in the state.

Mr. Gupta said that with the help of NABARD loan, 96 ITIs with an investment of Rs 189.11 crore are to be set up.

“We are developing infrastructure in skilling,” the Minister said adding that steps are underway to develop ITIs by Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

In 86 out of 313 blocks in M.P., there is neither any government nor private ITI, he said.

“Efforts are underway to establish ITIs in these areas in PPP mode as per the policy of the department,” the minister said.

Asked whether the State government has changed the name of Vyapam (Vyasayik Pariksha Mandal) or MP Professional Examination Board (MPPEB) to Professional Examination Board (PEB) as mentioned on the Vyapam office signboard, he said that it was not the right time to speak on the issue. - PTI