To preserve Phad painting, CM bats for skill training
Chief minister Vasundhara Raje has asked officials to conduct skill training programmes on Phad paintings -traditionally done on a long piece of cloth or canvas -- to preserve the heritage of Rajasthan.
Phad is a style of religious and folk painting practised in Rajasthan. Narratives of folk deities are depicted on Phads -- a long piece of cloth or canvas.
“The chief minister has asked us to initiate skill training to rejuvenate the dying art Phad,” Rajasthan Skill and Livelihoods Development Corporation (RSLDC) managing director Krishna Kunal said on Monday.
“She has also suggested skill training on new trades, such as 3D printing and robotics,” Kunal added.
3D printing involves a computer-aided design of an object that will be created. Robotics deals with technologies to develop machines that can substitute for humans.
The chief minister suggested utilisation of old buildings in the state for promoting training in 3D printing.
She also wanted skill courses related to agriculture.
Kunal said, “The skill development department has been taking up initiatives to diversify and intensify training.”
The department recently signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) for skill development in rubber sector, and purohitya prashikshan (training of priests). The department will also help the students from minority community.
“The department will soon provide training to madrasa drop-out students to ensure reach of skill training programmes to all sections,” Kunal said.
“We will soon start mechanical training for girls. We will also open three live business incubators to promote women empowerment and entrepreneurship in the state.”
The department will soon come up with branding guidelines for its schemes; training partners will have to follow the guidelines at all skill development centres, he said.
RSLDC signed an MoU with the Skill Council for Green Jobs (SCGJ) on Monday.
“RSLDC and SCGJ will provide skill training in the green jobs sector related to goods and services that will benefit environment. The training will help conserve energy, limit greenhouse gas emissions, minimise waste and pollution, protect and restore ecosystems as well as support adaptation to the effects of climate change,” the RSLDC head said. “Students will be mainly trained in solar energy, water treatment and waste recycle; 16 more such trades will be added in future.”
He said, “The MoU will include curriculum alignment with National Occupational Standards (NOS), assessment and certification of trainees, and help facilitate placement of the trained and certified youth.”