Uttarakhand Government Announces New Foreign Language Training Center in Almora
In a significant move to boost overseas employment opportunities for its youth, the Uttarakhand government has announced the establishment of a new foreign language training center in Almora. The announcement was made by Skill Development and Employment Minister Saurabh Bahuguna during a session in the state assembly on Friday.
Expanding the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Unnyan Evam Vaishvik Rozgar Yojna
This new center will operate under the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Unnyan Evam Vaishvik Rozgar Yojna, a state initiative launched in 2023. The scheme is designed to equip young individuals with the necessary linguistic and professional skills to secure employment abroad. Currently, a similar center is already functioning successfully at Doon University in Dehradun.
Since its inception, the program has trained 143 youth, with an impressive 92 of them securing jobs in countries such as Japan, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. Minister Bahuguna highlighted that the monthly salaries for these employed individuals range from Rs 80,000 to Rs 1.3 lakh, showcasing the lucrative potential of overseas placements.
Training Details and Current Enrollment
At present, the Doon University center is training 541 candidates in foreign languages including German, French, and Spanish, alongside English. The training period for these programs spans from eight to ten months, ensuring comprehensive language proficiency and cultural readiness for international work environments.
The announcement of the Almora center came in response to queries from BJP MLA Suresh Gadia regarding employment outcomes for trained youth. Following requests from Congress MLA Sumit Hridayesh and BJP MLA Diwan Singh Bisht for centers in Haldwani and Almora, Minister Bahuguna confirmed the establishment of the Almora facility.
Financial Support and Subsidies
To make the training accessible, the total cost is set at Rs 1.5 lakh. The state government provides a 30% subsidy on this amount. For the remaining Rs 1.2 lakh, the government offers a 70% subsidy on loan interest, significantly reducing the financial burden on trainees. Additionally, food and lodging facilities are provided free of cost, ensuring that candidates can focus entirely on their studies without financial stress.
Addressing Concerns and Ensuring Safety
During the assembly session, BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan raised concerns about potential fraud in overseas job placements and inquired about measures to protect youth. In response, Minister Bahuguna assured that 16 recruiting agencies are registered with the state and are also recognized by the Union Ministry of External Affairs, ensuring credibility and oversight.
He further addressed safety concerns by stating that 30 individuals from Uttarakhand currently working in Saudi Arabia are safe. "We have spoken to them and all are safe," Bahuguna confirmed, providing reassurance to families and prospective trainees.
Future Prospects and Impact
The establishment of the Almora center is expected to expand the reach of the skill development scheme, particularly in rural and hilly regions of Uttarakhand. By providing language training and employment support, the government aims to reduce unemployment and enhance the global competitiveness of its youth.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote skill development and international employment, contributing to the state's economic growth and the personal advancement of its residents. With successful placements already recorded, the new center in Almora is poised to replicate and build upon the achievements of the Dehradun facility.
