32 training centres for the differently-abled

CHENNAI: The state government is opening 32 vocational centres in 32 districts to enhance the skills of the differently-abled to enable them to get jobs in the private sector, according to secretary of the differently-abled department Kannegi Packianathan and  state commissioner of the department P R Sampath.They told Express here on Saturday that the state, which has three per cent jobs quota for differently-abled in the government sector, is also considering to have three per cent reservation for differently-abled in the private sector also. The project will be launched in collaboration with ITI before this financial year, said Sampath.Trades will be selected for each district. The training to boost the skills will last between three and six months. On completion of training, they will be provided job opportunities in the private sector, said Sampath.Packianathan said government is allocating Rs 5 lakh for each NGO to open the vocational centre. The training component will be provided by ITI.Sixty persons will be trained in each district. She said the scheme will be launched in consultation with the district collector.  She said the state is the first to provide early intervention services to children with development delays besides hearing impaired and visually impaired.