Rural youths will get basic computer training.

The government has embarked upon a plan to provide basic computer training to rural youths of the state.

The training would be first provided to those falling under the SC/ST and backward classes communities. Announcing the project on Thursday, information technology minister Jai Kumar Singh said: "The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC), a wing within the department of electronics and information technology (DeitY), ministry of communications & information technology (MCIT), has been roped in for the purpose."

He added: "Information technology needs to be spread across the state. Patna and Gaya have been chosen for the first phase. Youths, who belong to the SC/ST and backward classes, would be provided a four-month basic computer course. CDAC has been chosen for the same and their representatives would provide the training. Hope the youths get jobs after completing the course. The training provided to them would be basic but not outdated, as they will be taught about the latest programmes and applications, which is in use these days."

Though the minister abstained from commenting on the reasons behind choosing only SC/ST and backward classes communities, sources said the same had been done keeping in mind the upcoming elections.

"We have chosen them for a reason. However, that doesn't mean that the other economically weaker sections would be ignored. From next year, the same programme would be launched for economically weaker sections of Bihar. During the training, the candidates would be given a stipend of Rs 3,000 per month. In addition to this, those undertaking the training will not have to pay anything, as the cost will be borne by the government," Singh added.

The candidates would be selected on first-come-first-served basis.

"That doesn't mean someone would miss out on the opportunity. There would be proper advertisements regarding the venue and the details of the training. In Patna, the training would be provided at the BSNL exchange office at Khajpura. There would be proper batches and the department would ensure that all who wish to take up the training are incorporated. The candidates should have basic education. The training sessions would start from May. We aim to provide computer knowledge to at least five lakh youths in the next five years. Our representatives would be spreading the word about the plan in the districts," the minister said.