Minister Khadka stresses need for skilled manpower

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 23: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Dipak Khadka has said that technical education and skill-based training are indispensable for the country to move on the path of sustainable prosperity.  Distributing certificates to students who underwent skill-based training at the programme organised at Shree Manakamana Ratna Ambika Secondary School in Tumlingtar, Sankhuwasabha, Minister Khadka added, “The country needs hardworking and skilled manpower. Traditional education alone is not enough. One cannot compete in the labour market without acquiring modern skills, technical expertise, and practical knowledge.”

The 20-day "Power House Operation and Maintenance Training" conducted by Balaju School of Engineering and Technology with the financial support of the Enhanced Skill for Sustainable and Rewarding Employment was concluded on Friday.

He said, "The prosperity of any country is not possible without skilled manpower," and expressed his commitment to expanding training and employment opportunities in collaboration with the local level by encouraging technical education. “The skills acquired by the students will not only make them self-reliant, but will also contribute to the family, society and the entire nation,” he continued.  He said, “Sankhuwasabha is an important area as a hydropower centre with a generation capacity of 5,000 megawatts. Internships will be arranged for all those trained in this district, for which we are coordinating with various hydro companies.” Minister Khadka also emphasised the tourism prospects of Sankhuwasabha. He said, “Sankhuwasabha is a district connected to the tri-border area. The tourism sector in this region has the potential to generate billions in revenue."

 "With the establishment of the CTEVT office in Sankhuwasabha itself, citizens of various districts in this region will be able to receive employment-oriented training. In addition, preparations are underway to establish an Ayurveda hospital," he said. On the occasion, CTEVT Member Secretary Mahesh Bhattarai expressed his happiness at getting the opportunity to conduct training at the initiative of the Minister. Highlighting the importance of technical education, he requested them to take the initiative for arranging internships for those trained by CTEVT in hydro projects under the Ministry of Energy.

Mayor of Khandbari Municipality, Mahesh Thapaliya, praised Minister Khadka for his contribution in putting the district on the path of development. He said, "There is a need to conduct such training regularly for the campaign to make the district self-reliant." Likewise, the trainees shared their experiences gained after the training and said that they were guided to move forward in employment and entrepreneurship.