THE real benchmark of success of a government programme is the level of satisfaction it gives to beneficiaries. A case in point is Rajiv Udyogasri, a programme implemented by the administration of Medak, one of the most backward districts in Andhra Pradeshs Telangana region. The programme is implemented in the district by the Indira Kranti Patham (IKP), a wing of the District Rural Development Agency. It has changed the living conditions of many rural youth, both male and female. Those who mustered the courage to leave their native villages and dream big were trained in industrial skills for two months and offered positions by organisations in the private sector.
Pandari, a 25-year-old polio victim, had not received proper school education. But today, he has secured a job in Hyderabad with a monthly salary of Rs.5,500 thanks to the IKP.
A cab picks me up from my room near Osmania University and drops me back after work. I never imagined a life like this before I approached the IKP, says Pandari, who hands over a major part of his salary to his mother, who depends on the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme to earn a living.
Sujatha, in her early 20s, is a faculty member in the IKP training centre run in Toopran. Her father is a rickshaw puller and her mother a factory labourer. I learnt communication skills and now impart training to those coming from rural areas in search of jobs. This gives me great satisfaction as I am doing more than what I had expected from myself, she says.
Imran Sultana, an employee with the IKP at Sangareddy, visits nearby villages once a week to identify college drop-outs and train them for jobs. A Telugu medium student, Imran is fluent in English, and aims to become a World Bank employee. There are many more like Pandari, Sujatha and Imran.
Under the scheme, training is imparted for two months in areas such as construction, retail service, hotel management, computers, security, textiles, call centres, and Tally accounting. After the training, placements are arranged by IKP officials.
Ants and Partners, a Bangalore-based private training institute, has joined hands with the IKP in this endeavour. Around 10,000 youth were accommodated in different organisations in Hyderabad and in rural centres in the last one year.
A. Hameed, district coordinator, Employment Generation and Marketing Mission (EGMM), says: We are confident of accommodating around 25,000 trained youth by next March. We are even extending financial support in the first month to those migrating to Hyderabad for placement as they have to meet personal expenses until they get their salaries.
Once candidates register themselves with IKP, their qualifications and age are taken into consideration before they are absorbed into the training best suited for them.
This has changed the social and economic status of many a rural youth. The money they earn now supplements the family income. Some of them invest wisely, in land, for instance.
Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy has directed other districts to emulate Medaks example, says IKP project director Srinivas Baba.
R. AvadhaniCOMMents
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