State govt trains 30,000 construction workers in 2 months under skill drive

IN a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Tamil Nadu Labour Welfare Department has trained nearly 30,000 construction workers across the state over the last two months and plans to cover another 50,000 workers in the next two months under a skill-upgradation scheme at a total cost of ₹45 crore.

- VIVANESH PARTHIBAN

Implemented through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with the support of a training agency, the one-week programme offers hands-on training in trades such as bar bending, carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, welding, glass fixing, and general construction work. Trainees receive a stipend of ₹800 per day along with one meal.

"Out of the 38 districts in TN, 12 districts have already achieved their targets within the first two months. The remaining districts are expected to complete their targets in the coming weeks," a State Labour Department official said.