The Jharkhand Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (JIIDCO) is set to launch a comprehensive need-cum-gap assessment study across the state's vocational institutions. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic training and industrial requirements. The study will evaluate whether the current curriculum aligns with contemporary market dynamics and will implement necessary upgrades based on the findings.
Assessment of Vocational Institutions
JIIDCO Managing Director Varun Ranjan stated, “The study would be conducted at all government-run 63 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 17 polytechnic colleges. The assessment would help us understand industry requirements and if present curricula are at par with them or not. The state would restructure existing courses or introduce new-age industry-relevant disciplines, based on the findings, to boost employability.”
MSME Validation Survey
In addition, JIIDCO will launch a field-level validation survey of the state's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under the Union government's 'Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance' (RAMP) program. “While we have a database of MSMEs located in government industrial areas, we are planning to compile data of all MSMEs situated inside as well as outside industrial areas,” Ranjan said, clarifying the scope of the industrial census. He stressed that the focus remains strictly on core production units and not all commercial entities. “There are around 7 lakh MSMEs in the state but we are focused on those that are directly involved in manufacturing.”
After the database is established, JIIDCO intends to roll out targeted interventions to bolster efficiency, modernization, and overall productivity of these enterprises. Explaining the broader vision behind the dual-pronged strategy, Ranjan added, “The two studies will help us create a highly skilled workforce for local industrial demands while simultaneously building a robust support system to ensure our manufacturing units grow in a competitive market.”
Transparency and Timeline
To maintain complete transparency and bring in specialized expertise, JIIDCO will outsource the research to an independent third-party agency. The corporation is scheduled to float an e-tender for the selection of the agency on May 18. The timeframe for completing the entire assignment is June 30, 2027.
