UP Police Inaugurates 18 Self-Reliance Centers with Major Skill Development Partnership
In a significant move to bolster economic independence and welfare, the Uttar Pradesh Police launched 18 'Swavalamban Kendras' (Self-Reliance Centers) across the state on Friday. The launch ceremony, held at the police headquarters in Lucknow, was accompanied by the signing of a crucial three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UP Skill Development Mission. This collaborative initiative is specifically designed to deliver employment-oriented training programs to women, youth, and the dependents of police personnel.
A Transformational Step for Police Families and Beyond
The centers were jointly inaugurated by Meenakshi Singh, Chairperson of Vama Sarathi (the UP Police Family Welfare Association), and Hari Om, Principal Secretary of the Vocational Education, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship Department. Singh hailed the launch as a transformational step for police families, describing it as a direct pathway to achieving financial independence, building confidence, and ensuring long-term security.
"This MoU with the UP Skill Development Mission will help align the welfare of police families with the evolving demands of the market," Singh stated. She emphasized that the partnership would facilitate access to quality, nationally recognized, and market-oriented courses. The training options were meticulously selected after a thorough assessment of participant interest and employment potential in various sectors.
Addressing the Modern Job Landscape
Singh further stressed the importance of adapting to today's rapidly changing employment environment. "In the current job landscape, practical skills, digital literacy, financial awareness, cyber safety, and entrepreneurship are becoming as crucial as formal education," she remarked, underscoring the comprehensive approach of the new centers.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna reinforced the department's commitment, stating that the welfare of police families is a moral responsibility. He explained that when police personnel are assured about their families' future and well-being, they can perform their duties with greater focus, dedication, and peace of mind.
Krishna also encouraged family members to broaden their horizons. "I urge police family members to think beyond traditional job-seeking. Explore start-ups and entrepreneurship. Become employment generators rather than dependents," he said, promoting a culture of self-reliance and innovation.
Key Relaxations and Expansion Plans Announced
Principal Secretary Hari Om announced several key relaxations to make the program more inclusive for police families. Notably, the age eligibility for participants has been enhanced from 18-35 years to 18-45 years. Furthermore, efforts will be made to ensure that all training and subsequent employment opportunities remain locally accessible, reducing the need for relocation.
Om also outlined ambitious expansion plans for the initiative. The program is set to grow from covering 4 skill sectors initially to encompassing up to 20 diverse skill sectors in the near future, thereby widening the scope of training and employment avenues.
A Visionary Model Set for State-Wide Scaling
Pulkit Khare, Mission Director of the UP Skill Development Mission, praised the Swavalamban Kendras as a visionary and sustainable model for skill development and welfare. Revealing the long-term vision, Khare announced plans to scale up the initiative significantly. The program will be expanded from the current 18 divisional centers to cover all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh, ensuring widespread access to these empowerment and skill-building resources across the state.
This launch marks a proactive step by the UP Police and the state government to integrate welfare with skill development, aiming to create a more self-reliant and economically secure community for police families and other beneficiaries.
