The youngsters with certificates and welding machines that they had received at the end of their training from CRPF officials at Jatni. Telegraph picture

Bhubaneswar, May 4: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in collaboration with the Jatni-based Centurion University of Technology and Management has launched a series of skill development programmes for tribal youths in an effort to reach out to people in Maoist-affected regions of the state.

The first batch of 30 youngsters from Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati Ganjam, Sambalpur, Sundergarh, Kalahandi, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj underwent a three-month vocational training and skill development programme in advanced welding techniques. They received their degrees today.

“Remote tribal areas of Odisha, which are largely underdeveloped, have become hotbeds of extremist groups who are mobilising and recruiting local youths. They are mostly targeting school dropouts. This made the CRPF think of a way to intervene socially and tackle the problem in a different way,” said IGP CRPF S.N. Sabat.

The course aimed at building a theoretical base for the students on welding techniques, industrial safety and basic measurement and calculation.

“It was followed by rigorous practical training on different welding techniques ranging from gas, arc, plasma arc cutting and others. The last month of the programme consisted of an on-the-job training, in which the trainees worked in a production unit for half of the day and spent the other half on project work such as grills, gates railings and others,” said president of the university Mukti Mishra.

“The students will receive certificates recognised by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). It will help them find jobs,” he said.

The entire batch was given a welding machine each from the CRPF to help them become nano/mini/micro entrepreneurs when they return to their villages.

“The students will also be provided support for the trainees once they start their business. They will be provided space from where they can operate,” said DIGP (group centre) CRPF S.K. Mishra.

This apart, the second batch of 150 students will soon be taking up trainings of fitter, electrician, sewing machine operator and others. The students, too, appeared excited with the programme.

“Not so long ago, I was at my village moving aimlessly without any direction. When the CRPF personnel talked to me about the programme, I was not much convinced but hesitantly decided to come here for the course. Now, I feel that it was the best decision of my life.

“I wish that they continue such programmes so that more youths like me get trained and become confident,” said Badal Kumar Giri, a student from Mayurbhanj.