Despite the Tata Motors? Nano project moving to Gujarat about a year ago, all is not lost for Singur residents.
Over 750 locals have now completed 12-15 month training programmes under the original rehab plan worked out by Tata Motors and the West Bengal government. And though the project has moved out, these trainees have still got jobs with Tata Motors at its Ranjangaon facility in Pune and the firm?s national dealer network.
Imparting skill development for the employment opportunities? the project would have thrown up? was part of the rehabilitation package for all those affected by the land acquisition?including landless labour and share-croppers.
Special modules were created for the car project?s needs at the Industrial Training Institutes in the region, such as manufacturing processes, Fork Lift operation, painting, vehicle servicing, etc.
?484 apprentices that were not part of the memorandum of understanding between the West Bengal government and Tata Motors, have completed their 12-month training programmes. Each of them have been offered jobs with the firm?s dealer network and some have begun opting for this,? a senior labour ministry official told FE.
267 apprentices from families of land-owners whose land was acquired for the project are also at different stages of training.
?Nearly 112 have completed their 15 month training programmes and we held National Council of Vocational Training exams for them. 48 are undergoing on-the-job training at Tata Motors? Pune plant and 19 have been attached with dealers? service centres.
However, 88 trainees have refused to relocate out of Singur,? the official added.
The labour and employment ministry was recently given a status report by company officials about the Singur-based trainees for the small car project. Apart from technical skills, apprentices were also imparted soft skills like teamwork, self-development and communication.