Namchi, March 24 (IPR): An installation and inauguration programme of a CNC  Milling machine for upgradation of machinist trade, sponsored by NHPC Limited (Rangit Power Station), under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme, was organised by Government Industrial Training Institute, Kewzing, at its premises today.
The programme was graced by MLA Barfung and Advisor for Buildings & Housing Department, Mr Rikshal Dorjee Bhutia, as the Chief Guest.
Thanking the officers and officials of NHPC for providing the support to the institute by sponsoring the machine, the MLA highlighted the importance of education and urged the students and the gentry present to eradicate the misconception of the education being provided in govt schools, stating that only qualified teachers are appointed to impart knowledge after a rigorous and careful selection process.
Talking about local customs and traditions, the MLA emphasised the need to preserve the languages of various communities of the state. Further, the MLA advised the students to lead and maintain a disciplined lifestyle for their growth in society. He stated that the future belongs to the sections where and individual is skilled and proficient in one profession and further mentioned that the students shall in the future shall be one of the primary workforce that shall uplift the society and lead towards its growth.
Special Secretary-cum-Director for Skill Development Department, Mr Samdup Bhutia, foremost mentioned that Skill Development Department, through ITI Kewzing, District Administration Namchi and NHPC, has been the primary role players in providing the CNC machine to the institute. He then proceeded to thank the District Administration for  coordinating and monitoring the process for the procurement of the machine and for their support towards the department in the overall process. He also presented his gratitude to the NHPC for providing the said machine to the Institute.
Further, the Special Secretary highlighted the initiatives of the state government and the department in starting the training of electricians and plumbing trades in the institute. He also highlighted that 16 technician posts in various departments have been identified by the state government and the posts shall be made available to any individual of the state holding either a National Trade Certificate or State Trade Certificate from a recognised Government Industrial Training Institute.
Talking further about opportunities, the Special Secretary mentioned that 10% seat reservation has been made available in the state polytechnic institutes, CCCT and ATTC, for any ITI trainee willing to further pursue academics for the electrician trade. He also highlighted the prospect of the PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling & Employability Transformation) scheme that shall transform ITI into an aspirational institute in the coming days after its initiation and upgrade the institutes.
HR Manager NHPC, Mr Pandu Gagrai, in his brief address, stated that the initiative taken up by the corporate aims to impact the infrastructural development of the society through the empowerment of individuals through skill and knowledge.
He further stated that the machine provided shall be helpful in imparting hands on experience to the trainee students of the institute and further helping them to be prepared for manufacturing sectoral opportunities in their future.
He further appreciated the efforts of the MLA, Skill Development Department, District Administration and the institute in advancing and modernising the institute to impart effective knowledge to the students. He further urged all the students of the institute to take up the opportunity and be skilled through the knowledge gained from the institute. Lastly, he also presented his commitment and support of the firm for future cooperations.
During the course of the programme, representatives of District Administration Namchi and NHPC were also felicitated through the MLA and Special Secretary-cum-Director by the Institute. Earlier, the MLA inaugurated and took a brief assessment of the functioning and workings of the CNC machine. The MLA also inspected various equipment being used within the institute.
It can be mentioned here that the event marks a significant milestone of the Institute in strengthening technical education and skill development within the institute and for the students. Further, the sponsored CNC machine is an automated, computer-driven tool used to manufacture parts with high precision from materials like metal, wood and plastic.
Also present were Panchayats Ms Jasoda Chettri & Mr Mingma Sangay Bhutia, Panchayats of Kewzing-Bakhim GPU, Chairman (SDD) Mr Sonam Bhutia, APS (Namchi) Mr Bishnu Sharma, OSD to MLA Mr Shiva Kumar Rai  , Deputy Director (SDD) Mr K C Rai, SDM HQ (Namchi) Mr Nim Pintso Bhutia, SDM (Ravangla) Mr Saran D Kalikotey, CEO (Namchi) Mr G P Sharma, BDO (Ravangla) Mr B B Tamang, Medical Officer (NHPC) Dr Chandrakant Pandey, Principals (ITI Kewzing) Mr Mahendra Pradhan, (ITI Gyalshing) Mr Bhim Chauvan, (ITI Rangpo) Mr Chandan Bajgai & (ITI Namchi) Mr M N Bhutia, Superintendent (HQ) Mr Lalit Kumar Kashyap, Senior Instructor Mr Pema Tharkay Sherpa, faculty members of ITI Kewzing and students.