Kejriwal inaugurates skill development centres

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday opened skill development centres here and said it was aimed at developing skills of destitutes, making them employable and self-dependent.

Addressing a gathering in Tilak Nagar in west Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader said his government was committed to work for the betterment of the poor.

“Nobody works for the poor and homeless who live in the open because they are nobody’s vote bank. This government does not work for votes but works for humanity. All destitutes are our own people and to make them progress is our duty,” Kejriwal said.

“These (skill development) centres will impart training to the destitutes living in shelter homes and through this they can get employment or start their own business,” he added.

Delhi’s Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Home Minister Satyendar Jain were also present at the event.

Kejriwal thanked Baijal for attending the event and said he was hopeful of working for Delhi’s all-round development along with the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the occasion, Baijal lauded the Delhi government’s decision to start skill development centres at night shelters and said it would help the destitutes.

“It is a matter of pleasure that not only shelters are being provided to the destitutes but efforts are being made to make them employable and self dependent,” Baijal said.

Jain said five different courses with durations of two months each will be conducted at the centres and each batch will comprise 25 persons.

“Usually there will be one class but it can be increased if needed. In this manner we will be able to train around 1,500 to 6,000 people in one year. We will help all the homeless to hone their skills and make them self dependent,” Jain added.