Chirag Gupta
Patna: The Bihar government has mandated that all private industrial training institutes (ITIs) in the state adhere to the strict standards set by the National Vocational Training Council. Registrations of ITIs failing to meet these standards will be cancelled. The Labour Resources Department has announced plans to inspect private ITIs across all districts to ensure compliance with these guidelines.
This move aims to ensure that youth trained in these institutes not only receive certificates but also acquire the technical skills and efficiency demanded by industries. According to the Labor Resources Department, Bihar has 1,234 private ITIs, but over 80 percent reportedly fail to comply with the required standards. The state government has decided to take strict action against such institutes to safeguard the quality of technical education and skill development.
The inspections will focus on infrastructure, safety, and operational standards. Many ITIs, particularly in urban areas, have been found lacking essential facilities such as permanent buildings, classrooms, laboratories, and basic amenities like drinking water, proper parking, and fire safety measures. Some operate out of makeshift structures like tin sheds, severely compromising the quality of training.
For an ITI to qualify, specific building bylaws must be followed. In rural areas, institutes must have at least two acres of land for 150 to 200 trainees, while those in urban areas require a minimum of one and a quarter acres. Additionally, ITIs operating on leased land must ensure a lease term of at least ten years. Classroom specifications mandate a minimum size of 25 square meters in length and three meters in width.
Safety standards are equally critical, with requirements for protection against natural disasters such as earthquakes and incidents like fires. The inspection teams will evaluate all these criteria, and any institute failing to meet them will face cancellation of its registration.
Officials from the Labor Resources Department revealed that earlier registrations did not strictly enforce compliance with these standards, leading to the current state of non-compliance. This initiative marks a significant shift toward ensuring that ITIs meet national benchmarks, creating a robust training environment for the youth of Bihar.
The government’s decision aligns with its broader objective of promoting technical skill development to meet industry demands. By addressing the gaps in facilities and operations at private ITIs, the state aims to enhance the employability and competency of its youth.
The upcoming inspections are expected to bring accountability and improvement to the private ITI sector, reinforcing the state’s commitment to high-quality vocational training and skill development.
