New initiatives to assist overseas Indian workers

New Delhi, June 27 : The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs has taken new initiatives to assist overseas Indian workers with a nation-wide skill upgradation-training programme for potential migrant workers.

This will help create a strong cadre of highly skill workers to fill the large labour supply gaps.

The ministry would launch this scheme in diverse sectors such as construction, engineering, manufacturing, nursing, IT and household services etc.

The scheme is being implemented in partnership with the State Governments, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), as well as Apex Industry Associations, Non Governmental Organisations.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs and MSME.

The Prime Minister launched the Overseas Workers Resource Centre (OWRC) during Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, which started from January 7 to 9, 2008 as a helpline for rendering assistance to Indian workers abroad and those who are desirous of going abroad for employment. The helpline has a toll free number 1800 11 3090 accessible from anywhere in India.

ANI