Sambalpur, Oct. 28: Pramila Lakra, a youngster from the Maoist-hit Daincha village in Sambalpur district, is confident of earning her living with the help of the skills she has recently acquired.

The 12th battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Sambalpur provided threThey taught me tailoring and gave me a beautician’s course. These skills will help me become independent,” said Pramila, adding that she would open a shop at the Rairakhol soon.

Pramila is one among the 18 girls who were trained. Apart from them, the CRPF also trained 16 boys from Maoist-hit villages of Sambalpur, Bargarh and Deogarh districts to make them independent.

The girls were trained in tailoring, stitching, embroidery and beauty culture. The boys were trained to drive cars.

Ranjit Behera, 20 of Riamal in Deogarh district, who was taught how to drive, said: “I was searching for job after completing my Plus Two examination. I was provided with the diving training here. I can now earn my livelihood and contribute to my family.”

The CRPF gave each of them certificates on completion of the course.

Commandant of the 12th battalion T.K. Hati said: “It is an effort to make the youth of the Maoist-hit areas of Bargarh, Sambalpur and Deopgarh district self-dependent. That way, they will not be lured by the Maoists.”

“We also want to develop a good relationship with the people of that area. The youths were trained under the Civic Action Program of the 12th battalion,” he said.