Shimla, June 27 (KNN) By the end of July, 50 skill development centres will start operating in 10 districts across Himachal Pradesh to cater 4,700 school dropouts.

The aim is to create employment opportunities by equipping them with practical knowledge, training and certification.

A sum of Rs 7.5 crore has been approved for vocational training of dropouts and two trades would be run in a particular centre according to the preference and time suitable for students.

As per a survey by Samagra Shiksha, about 4,700 students falling in the age bracket of were 14 to 19 years identified who dropped out of school.

In tribal districts of Kinnaur and Lahaul and Spiti the dropout rate was found to be negligible.

Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, Virender Sharma said that the letter of intent has been given to the agency selected for running the skill development programme.

The students were asked for preference on pursuing trades. Boys majorly opted for Information Technology Enabled Service (ITES), automotive and agriculture while girls were inclined towards beauty and wellness and apparel-making, he added.

Student would be paid Rs 50 per day for learning skill as economic constraints and inability to cope up with the education system were cited as the prime reasons for droping out.  (KNN Bureau)