Ranchi, Dec. 9: Union minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises Giriraj Singh today stressed on effective execution of skill development schemes for the country's integrated economic growth, promising to set up training centre in every district.

He also called for enhancing skills with the help of industrial training institutes and polytechnics.

Addressing a seminar on the role of Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) in skill development, the minister claimed that he had provided solar charkhas (spinning wheels) to 100 families in Nawada district of Bihar. The women of these families are now earning Rs 4,000 to 6,000 on their own every month.

He now wants to extend the scheme across the country.

"My ministry offers various kinds of schemes being run by 24 departments. If all these schemes are properly executed in all 24 districts of Jharkhand, poverty will be wiped out in no time. The Mudra banks started by Prime Minister Narendra Modi are ready to extend loans to the tune of Rs 11,000 crore. Our government will provide bank guarantees," he said, adding that the KVIC board of directors meeting would be held on December 23.

The minister admitted that khadi workers were now earning less than that of MGNREGA labourers, but added in the same vein that technological upgrade and financial support would bring about drastic changes in the living conditions of people in far-flung villages.

"Generating employment opportunities is our main challenge. And we are doing our best," Singh added.

The minister, who also held meetings with government officials to enquire about the current status of ongoing and proposed new schemes, lost no opportunity to hit out at the Congress.

"The Congress ruled the country for more than 68 years. Employment to all was their main slogan. But what did they do? Now, they are talking about intolerance. But, will any of them define the term minority in its real sense? And how our government is involved in the National Herald controversy that they are paralysing parliamentary business. This is ridiculous," he said.

Singh, however, remained evasive when asked about BJP veteran leader Yashwant Sinha's criticism of Union external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's Pakistan tour.

"These are his personal views. Though we are fully prepared to offer befitting reply on our territorial borders, we are also ready for peace talks," he signed off.