Agartala, January 30, 2025: In a significant initiative to empower unemployed youth and women, the Chief Minister’s Skill Development Project is paving the way for alternative income opportunities. Under this initiative, 80 young men and women have enrolled in specialized training programs at “Arkaneer,” an institution operated by the state’s science and technology organization, NB Institute for Rural Technology (NBIRT), with support from the Skill Development Department.
The training program has been divided into two key sectors. Fifty participants are undergoing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training in lemongrass cultivation, while thirty others are being trained as solar technicians under the Surya Mitra Project.
The training camp was formally inaugurated on January 27 by Advocate Sameer Ranjan Ghosh, Chairman of the Tripura Tea Development Corporation. The event was attended by NBIRT Vice President Kapilbaran Bhowmik, Administrator P.L. Ghosh, and Dr. Arindam Chowdhury, who is leading the hands-on training in lemongrass cultivation.
Dr. Chowdhury emphasized the global demand for lemongrass and its oil, stating, “The oil extracted from this aromatic grass is a crucial component in the production of perfumed oils, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and Ayurvedic medicines. Proper training in its cultivation can open up lucrative opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs.”
Parallelly, the Surya Mitra Project, which began on January 25, is providing a two-month training course for 30 youth aspiring to become solar technicians. The training is conducted by certified professionals, including Engineer P.L. Ghosh, Engineer Pinak Ranjan Sarkar, and Anil Chandra Das.
Highlighting the growing importance of solar energy, Engineer P.L. Ghosh stated, “The government is promoting solar power as an environment-friendly alternative, but the number of trained solar technicians in the state is still very low. Through this initiative, we aim to equip young individuals with the necessary skills to enter this expanding sector and secure sustainable livelihoods.”
To ensure a supportive learning environment, accommodation and meals are provided for the trainees at Arkaneer. Furthermore, Arkaneer Coordinator Anup Dey announced that successful trainees in the Solar Technician trade will receive a stipend directly in their bank accounts, alongside certification upon course completion.
The Chief Minister’s Skill Development Project has already helped many unemployed youths find a stable source of income, and this latest training drive reinforces the government’s commitment to skilling the workforce and promoting self-reliance among the state’s youth.
