Summary
Asian Development Bank has signed a loan agreement with ASDM to fund the project
The estimated cost of the project is $140 million, including the state’s share of 20%
The Assam Skill Development Mission (ASDM) is looking to establish a university with a vision to create a pool of skilled manpower in the state. The Assam Skill University will be set up under the external-aided project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
According to an official release, a loan agreement was signed between ADB’s country director Takeo Konishi and ASDM director Adil Khan on December 17. Industry, commerce and skill development minister Chandra Mohan Patowary termed the event as a major achievement for the creation of skilled manpower in Assam.
The estimated cost of the project was $140 million, including the state’s share of 20%.
“With an investment of $140 million, the first government skill university of Eastern India will impart global quality skill education to our youth, ensuring employability and industrial development,” the minister wrote on Twitter.
ADB has approved a loan of $112 million to strengthen skill education and training through the establishment of the university. An additional grant of $1 million is also being provided as technical assistance by the bank, according to the release.
The state government has allotted 250 bighas of land in Mangaldoi for the skill development institute, for which the construction work is expected to commence by early next year. The project is likely to be completed by 2027.
The process of designing and construction of the university has been initiated in consultation and alignment with ADB’s policy and guidelines.
The vice-chancellor has also been appointed and the skill development institute will soon start operating from an interim campus.
According to the detailed project report, nine schools have been proposed for the university that will cater to the needs of local entrepreneurs, startups, and micro, small, and medium enterprises for technology, skill and businesses.
The Assam Skill University Act 2020 has already been passed by the state assembly, the release added.
The Assam Skill Development Mission had been set up under the aegis of the state government’s skill employment and entrepreneurship department with the aim of capacity building for unemployed youth in order to deliver quality skill training that would result in meaningful employment.
Last updated on 18 Dec 2021
