Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially inaugurated advanced electrical laboratories at 30 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. The launch event took place at the government ITI campus in Guindy, Chennai, marking a significant step in the state government's effort to bolster vocational training infrastructure. The project, which was executed with the support of Schneider Electric India Private Limited, represents a total investment of ₹5.10 crore.
According to an official press release, the new facilities are strategically positioned to serve students in 23 districts. These include Vellore, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Chennai, Ranipet, Tiruppur, the Nilgiris, Coimbatore, Krishnagiri, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Madurai, Salem, Cuddalore, Tiruchi, Dindigul, Virudhunagar, Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Kallakurichi, and Erode. Officials estimate that these upgrades will benefit approximately 9,250 students annually by providing them with modern, industry-standard equipment for their electrical training.
Building on this momentum, the government also signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the partner company during the ceremony. This agreement paves the way for the establishment of similar advanced electrical laboratories in another 40 government-run ITIs throughout the state. The proposed second phase of the project is estimated to cost ₹6.80 crore, demonstrating a continued focus on expanding vocational resources for the youth.
Beyond the laboratory inauguration, the event served as a platform to recognize excellence within the vocational education sector. Chief Minister Vijay distributed cheques worth ₹25,000 each to 15 students who emerged as winners in the 59th State-level Skill Competition. Furthermore, 60 students were presented with certificates of appreciation for achieving national first ranks in the All India Trade Tests. The event also included the formal distribution of appointment orders to 673 Junior Training Officers, aimed at strengthening the faculty strength in state institutes.
During his visit to the Guindy campus, the Chief Minister inspected various infrastructure facilities to assess the quality of the learning environment. He also took the opportunity to interact with the students to understand their practical training needs. This engagement provided the government with direct feedback on the implementation of skill-based learning initiatives.
Several high-ranking officials and public representatives were in attendance to mark the occasion. Notable figures included the Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development J. Mohamed Farvas and Saidapet MLA M. Arul Prakasam. From the administrative side, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar and the Secretary of Labour Welfare and Skill Development, K. Veera Raghava Rao, were present to oversee the proceedings and the signing of the new expansion agreement.
The initiative reflects a broader push by the state to align vocational education with contemporary industrial requirements. By upgrading the laboratories in these 30 institutes, the government aims to ensure that students receive hands-on training that is relevant to modern electrical engineering demands. With the upcoming phase scheduled to add 40 more labs, the focus remains on ensuring that vocational training remains both accessible and technologically advanced for students across all districts in the state.
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