Udupi: Udupi Deputy Commissioner T K Swaroopa has directed officials to strengthen vocational skills training programmes for youth through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and other technical institutions to enhance local employment opportunities and meet the workforce requirements of industries operating in the district.
Chairing a district-level meeting on industrial establishments at Rajatadri, the district office complex in Manipal, the Deputy Commissioner emphasised the importance of linking education and skill development with industry requirements. She said industrial growth would create employment opportunities within the district and help curb the migration of skilled youth in search of jobs elsewhere.
Focus on industry-oriented skill development
T K Swaroopa said vocational and technical training programmes should be aligned with the needs of industries operating in Udupi district. She instructed officials to introduce industry-relevant courses for students studying in Industrial Training Institutes, diploma colleges and Government Tool Room and Training Centres from the current academic year itself.
According to the Deputy Commissioner, skill development initiatives should focus on preparing students for real-world industrial employment and ensuring they possess the technical competencies required by employers.
She observed that creating a skilled workforce within the district would benefit both industries and local youth, enabling companies to recruit trained personnel while providing stable employment opportunities closer to home.
Internship and apprenticeship opportunities encouraged
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to provide practical exposure to students through internship programmes during their course period.
She directed officials and industry representatives to facilitate internship opportunities that would allow students to gain hands-on experience and understand workplace requirements before entering the job market.
In addition, she said students completing professional and technical courses should be provided apprenticeship training in industrial units operating within the district. Such programmes would bridge the gap between classroom learning and industrial practice, enhancing employability and preparing candidates for long-term careers.
Officials were asked to coordinate with industrial establishments to create structured pathways for internships and apprenticeships.
Industrialisation seen as key to employment generation
Highlighting the importance of industrial development, Swaroopa said industrialisation plays a crucial role in generating employment and supporting regional economic growth.
She noted that the availability of local employment opportunities would reduce the need for young people to migrate to other cities and states in search of jobs. Retaining skilled talent within the district would also contribute to the overall development of Udupi and strengthen the local economy.
The administration aims to create an ecosystem where industrial expansion and workforce development progress simultaneously, ensuring sustainable growth for the district.
Priority given to development of new industrial areas
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner instructed officials to expedite land acquisition and other procedural formalities required for establishing new industrial areas in different parts of the district.
She directed authorities to prioritise the development of industrial zones on 74.84 acres in Shivapura of Hebri taluk, 38.75 acres in Kerebettu, 50.42 acres in Nitte in Karkala taluk and 101.19 acres in Uppur of Brahmavar taluk.
According to officials, the proposed industrial areas are expected to attract investments, generate employment and support the growth of small, medium and large-scale industries in the district.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of completing pending procedures at the earliest so that industrial infrastructure projects can move forward without unnecessary delays.
Scrutiny of industrial activity changes in Shivalli area
Swaroopa also reviewed applications seeking modifications to activities in the Shivalli Industrial Area.
Officials informed the meeting that many of the applications were related to the establishment of ready-mix concrete plants. The Deputy Commissioner instructed authorities to undertake a detailed examination before granting approvals.
She emphasised that any proposed industrial activity should be assessed carefully to ensure it does not adversely affect existing units operating in the vicinity or create operational challenges for neighbouring industries.
The direction reflects the administration’s effort to balance industrial growth with proper planning and regulatory oversight.
Officials and industry representatives attend meeting
The meeting was attended by officials from various departments and representatives of industrial organisations.
Among those present were Joint Director of Industries and Commerce Nagaraj V Nayak, District Small Industries Association president Vasanth Kini, Municipal Commissioner Mahantesh Hangaragi and other stakeholders associated with industrial development in the district.
Participants discussed measures to strengthen industrial infrastructure, improve workforce availability and address issues affecting industrial establishments across Udupi.
Conclusion
The Udupi district administration has outlined a strategy focused on skill development, internships, apprenticeships and industrial expansion to create greater employment opportunities for local youth. By aligning technical education with industry requirements and accelerating the development of new industrial areas, the administration aims to strengthen the district’s industrial ecosystem while reducing talent migration.