'Karnataka govt to set up skill development centres, employment cells in universities'

DHARMASTHALA: Skill development centres and employment cells will be set up in all state universities in Karnataka. A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting of vice-chancellors of state universities, noted G T Devegowda, minister for higher education. Such centres and cells will prove useful for youths not only to learn skills that will make them employable, but address the issue of employability that industries keep raising often, he said.

Distributing Sujnana Nidhi scholarship worth Rs 6.50 crore to 10,000 children of SHGs set up under Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Rural Development Project here on Sunday, Devegowda said Kshetra under D Veerendra Heggade, dharmadhikari has ventured in to development in agriculture, employment, education, health and women’s empowerment. This is evident in the Rs 1400 crore deposits and Rs 8700 loans given to women SHGs, he said.

Mechanisation of agriculture, maintenance of drinking water units, lake development has proved to be lifeline for farmers. Discipline, honesty and dedication of staff of SKDRDP has aided in success of these ventures, he said, while exhorting youths to stay away from vices and inculcate leadership qualities in them. Youths must also find a way to repay their debt to the society by involving themselves in social work in their lives, he said.

Heggade, who presided over the function, thanking the minister for his announcement of state government clearing SDM Medical University at Dharwad, said youth must strive to create a bright future for themselves with clear goals and away from the fear of succeeding in exams. Urging them to use all opportunities that come their way, Heggade said if they inculcate sense of curiosity and dedication, one can shape idealistic individuality for self.

Hemavathi Heggade, wife of Heggade who inaugurated Sujnana Nidhi Vruddhi Sangha urged students to dream of a bright future for selves and work to realise it. Success is guaranteed to anyone who believes in will-power, knowledge power and power of action, she said, adding knowledge has the power to address poverty and illiteracy. Hemavathi also accepted donation for Rs 2 lakh given by students towards augmenting the Sujnana Nidhi fund.