Uttar Pradesh Police Families Empowered with Skill Development Initiatives
In a significant move to enhance the economic self-reliance of police personnel and their families, the Uttar Pradesh Police Family Welfare Association, known as Vaama Sarthi, has partnered with the state's Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. This collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday, marking a pivotal step towards providing employment-oriented training.
Inauguration of 18 Vaama Sarthi Self-Reliance Centres
During the event held at the police headquarters in Lucknow, 18 Vaama Sarthi Self-Reliance Centres were inaugurated. The ceremony was presided over by Vaama Sarthi President Meenakshi Singh and Principal Secretary of the Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Department, Hari Om. These centres are strategically located across Uttar Pradesh to ensure widespread access.
The newly-inaugurated centres are situated in the following cities:
- Lucknow
- Varanasi
- Kanpur
- Prayagraj
- Agra
- Aligarh
- Banda
- Bareilly
- Moradabad
- Gorakhpur
- Basti
- Gonda
- Jhansi
- Ayodhya
- Meerut
- Muzaffarnagar
- Azamgarh
- Mirzapur
Comprehensive Skill Training Programs
Under the MoU, the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission will support the implementation of various skill training programs. These initiatives are designed for police personnel, their families, and dependents, with a focus on practical and market-relevant courses. The training will cover diverse fields, including:
- Beautician courses
- Digital Mitra (digital literacy)
- Sample tailoring
- Digital marketing
- E-commerce
In the initial phase, over 1,700 women and youth from police families are actively participating in these programs, aiming to build a foundation for sustainable employment.
Collaboration with National Institutions and Industry Partners
The initiative is being rolled out with robust support from prominent national institutions and industry leaders. Key partners include Lakme, Revlon, VLCC, Singhania Group, GROYYO, RSWM Bhilwara, Raymond, and NASSCOM. These organizations will provide high-quality practical training, ensuring that police families gain the necessary skills to become self-reliant and economically empowered.
Statements from Key Officials
Addressing the gathering, Meenakshi Singh emphasized that Vaama Sarthi's objective extends beyond mere skill training. "Our goal is to secure a stable economic future, boost self-confidence, and create lasting employment opportunities for police families, particularly focusing on women and youth," she stated.
Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh, Rajeev Krishna, highlighted the demanding nature of police duties and underscored the moral and institutional responsibility towards the welfare of police families. "When our personnel are assured of their families' well-being, they can perform their duties with greater dedication and peace of mind," he remarked, praising Vaama Sarthi's efforts in education, health, and skill development.
Principal Secretary Hari Om announced a significant policy update: the age limit for police family members eligible for the program has been increased from 18–35 years to 18–45 years. This expansion aims to foster wider participation and ensure that training and employment opportunities are accessible at the local level, making the initiative more inclusive and effective.
This comprehensive skill development drive represents a forward-looking approach to supporting the Uttar Pradesh Police community, aligning with broader goals of economic empowerment and social welfare in the state.