Govt spends Rs 820 cr in 2007-08 for training programmes

NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday said it has utilised about Rs 820 crore during the last fiscal for organising exclusive training programmes for skill development of the underprivileged.

Of the total fund allocation of Rs 832.38 crore for 2007-08, Rs 820.47 crore was utilised under Entrepreneurship Development Programmes and Entrepreneurship Skill Development Programmes for the scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, women and physically challenged.

Also, under these exclusive programmes, a stipend of Rs 500 per month was provided to every trainee, an official statement said.

It said Rs 337.14 was spent for providing training in Uttar Pradesh, while Rs 66.02 crore was spent on Orissa.

Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises said it has taken a decision to impart free training to SC/ST aspirants in the training courses organised by its agencies.