Port Blair, Nov 9: The month long training program on “Marine Capture Fishermen”, a National Occupational Standard Qualification Pack of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) concluded on Nov 6, 2015 with a valedictory function held in the conference hall of Directorate of Industries. The program was organized under the banner of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) with the support of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The program was organized by Directorate of Industries in association with Education for Employment Foundation (EEF), Central Island Agriculture Research Institute (CIARI), Fisheries Survey of India (FSI) and Department of Fisheries. All together 35 candidates successfully completed the training program.
In her address as the chief guest, Smt. Rashmi Krishnan, Secretary (Industries), Andaman Nicobar Administration lauded the efforts put in by all the organizations in empowering the youths of the islands by providing skills in the felt need area. She also interacted with the trainees. The trainees expressed their desire to venture into fisheries sector by way of forming Self Help Groups(SHG). Some trainees also shared their views; Smt. Geeta Yadav informed that she is a pure vegetarian but, having seen the fishery potential, she decided to undergo the training programme; Mr Shiju Papachan and Mr Chitti Babu said that, after getting trained, the confidence level has increased and will help them in setting up of enterprise; Mr Elairaja and Mr Dilesh informed that though they are already in fishing business, but after this training the approach has become more scientific.
Welcoming the gathering, Mr M. N. Murali, Join Secretary and Director of Industries expressed the intention of the Administration in organizing such training programs in near future to create human resource pool to cater the need of various sectors. Dr. Kiruba Sankar, Scientist & HoD Fisheries Science Division, CIARI, remarked on the immense potential in fishing industry and the importance of the youth in reviving it. Dr. Ramachandran, Regional Director, FSI, Port Blair also spoke on the occasion and said that efforts are being made to take the trainees for on board fishing in batches.
The programme was also attended by Mr K. Lohith Kumar and Mr AKO Ratheesh, Scientists, CIARI; Mr Sukumar Dey, Asst. Director, Department of Fisheries. Mr Tejwant Singh Chhatwal, MD & CEO, Education for Employment Foundation proposed the vote of thanks.
