USAID-BILT launches 'Ek Mouka' employability training project

Yamuna Nagar, June 3 (UNI) The USAID and Ballarpur Industries Limited (BILT) have launched 'Ek Mouka', an employability training programme here to empower underprivileged youth with vocational skills for employment in new-economy avenues.

The project, in collaboration with CAP Foundation and The Society for All Round Development (SARD) targets local youth specifically school dropouts, unemployed secondary school graduates, street youth and settlement community members. It also helps dependents of BILT employees, contractual workers and Self Help Group (SHG) members.

Chief General Manager, CSR, BILT, Yashashree Gurjar, told reporters that Ek Mouka course, designed after extensive market research, and in complete conformity with urgent market needs, includes modules in Spoken English, Personality Development and Basic Computer Operations to meet the burgeoning service sector employment opportunities at malls, hotels and BPOs.

BILT has reached out to around 50,000 people over the last five years, she said.

CAP Foundation Nalini Gangadharan said, 'Ek Mouka' provides end-to-end livelihood solutions to the youth using the 'Business for Community' platform.

''We hope that BILTs' association with 'Ek Mouka' will encourage other corporate houses to take up similar initiatives,'' she said.

Dr Ashok Kumar, Unit Head at BILT's Yamuna Nagar Unit said, the three-month training programme includes both theoretical and practical sessions, and will be implemented by SARD.

At least 500 youth from the vicinity in next six months. BILT would also assist the trained participants in getting suitable placement, he said.

UNI XC JN SR AS1813