ITI Bhergaon in dismal state, Basic Infrastructure Lacking

A Correspondent

TANGLA: At a time when the State government has been trying to boost skill development, the sorry state of affairs of Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Bhergaon speaks volume of the ground reality of such vocational training centers. Anyone visiting the institute is bound to be appalled by its lack of basic infrastructural necessities ranging from potable drinking water facilities, a defunct generator to the need of hostel to accommodate students of far-flung places. “It has become redundant with outdated skills being provided to aspiring candidates who have no choice but to join the government institution,” said an instructor Uttam Chandra Das.

“Ever since the inception of this institute in 1986, the four trades - plumber, electrician, motor mechanical vehicle and Computer Operator & Programming Assistant (COPA), has not been expanded,” Das added. The institute has an intake capacity of 84 which equals to 21 students per trade. The institute which has 19 instructors also doesn’t have a full-time superintendent. The Mazbat ITI superintendent Banesh Bodo has been giving the additional charge.

The students and instructors are largely of the opinion that trades like sewing and cutting, welding, make-up artist which have large self-employment opportunities should be introduced in the greater interest of students community. “The centre doesn’t even get sanctioned fuels like petrol and diesel for practical demonstration of vehicles owing to which the students need to fetch it,” said a student. It may be mentioned that the media had several times drawn the attention of the government to the pathetic condition of the ITI which has literally been left to go to seed.