Bhubaneswar, June 10: Degree colleges across the state will open Knowledge Acquisition and Upgradation of Skilled Human Abilities and Livelihood (Kaushal) centres this academic session.

The higher education department has asked principals of all government colleges to initiate steps regarding this. "We have asked the principals to send their detailed proposals regarding opening of the Kaushal centres and subjects in which training will be imparted," said department secretary Gagan Dhal.

The UGC's Kaushal scheme is meant for imparting skills to the youths that suit the market needs and help them get jobs. Courses such as applied media, technical, arts, health care and soft skills will be offered at the centres.

The regional directors of education of Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Berhampur have been asked to identify degree colleges, where centres can be opened.

Besides, the department will open seven community colleges offering vocational courses from the current academic session. These colleges are Bhawanipatna's Government Autonomous College, Maharaja Purna Chandra College at Baripada, Keonjhar's Dharanidhar Autonomous College, Fakir Mohan College at Balasore, Khallikote Autonomous College in Ganjam, Government College at Rourkela and Vikram Dev College in Jeypore.

The UGC would set up 100 Kaushal centres across the country in government institutions and universities. Selected institutions will be given an assistance of Rs 5 crore to develop skill-based courses for diploma, advanced diploma, bachelor of vocation, masters in vocation streams and also PhDs.