Ranchi, Feb. 4: It's take-off time for Jharkhand's most revered temple town, as Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar launched the first-of-its-kind training academy on aircraft repair, maintenance and airport management in Deoghar today, under PM Narendra Modi's marquee Skill India Mission.

Parrikar, accompanied by MP Nishikant Dubey, whose constituency covers Godda, parts of Deoghar and Dumka, local BJP members and Deoghar district officials, did the honours to set up the institute this morning at the state civil aviation department's existing flying institute at the airstrip located in Kundu.

Late last evening, Parrikar also presided over a Yojana Banao Ahiyaan camp and inaugurated a model skill development centre in Deoghar, where he announced the Centre was mulling on Godda MP Dubey's request to set up an ordinance factory, an army (sainik) school, military station and a unit of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for more local jobs.

Today's launch of the institute related to aviation and aircraft repair, maintenance and handling, which will equip selected candidates free training in the cutting-edge field, assumes importance with officials touting it as India's first such hub under Skill India Mission launched last year.

Talking to this correspondent this morning, New Delhi-based Jaikant Singh, head of partnership and state alliance of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Union ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship, said this project was dear to Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Union minister of state for skill development and entrepreneurship (independent charge) and parliamentary affairs.

"Being a pilot himself, Rudy wanted aviation and aircraft related jobs and training activities be linked to the skill mission. Who thought it would come up in a remote place like this? But, we readily agreed because of the existing infrastructure at Deoghar," said Singh, referring to the existing glider training institute run by state civil aviation department.

Shaurya Aeronautics Pvt. Ltd, a private firm that takes care of the bulk of India's aircraft maintenance jobs, would be handling training.

"As of now, we plan to induct 15 students for six-month certificate courses covering aircraft repair, inventory management, denting and painting, plane and airport handling management, among others," he added.

About expenditure to train each candidate, he said it would be in the region of Rs 40,000-Rs 60,000. "NSDC is currently exploring central funds, but we don't rule out some state funding."

MP Dubey said the training institute would go a long way to provide skill development to local, tribal youths.

"Once the academy starts functioning, I will forward another proposal to upgrade it for commercial pilot training as well," he said.