Drunken men and women dancing to primal drumbeats is passé. Young tribals in the state are getting ready to greet you as air hostesses, flight stewards and ground handlers at airports.
Cashing in on the aviation boom, the state government has decided to train tribal youth to tackle unemployment. It will train 100 people through a programme likely to commence mid-January, which will be funded by the Maharashtra State Tribal Development Department. The department will invest Rs 1 lakh per student.
“We are looking at candidates who have completed the Higher Secondary Certificate and have received 500 applications,” Maharashtra State Tribal Development Commissioner Rajesh Kumar told HT. The state has held talks with several training academies for training candidates. Trade analysts believe the aviation sector, which is growing exponentially, will need an additional 5,000 cabin crew over the next few years.
Kumar said his department has also spoken to airlines, which have shown a willingness to absorb adivasi candidates.
“It is a very good experiment and airlines will have no problem in recruiting young tribal people. We will provide them further training,” said Regional Director of Indian (Airlines) NR Phatak.
{{/usCountry}}“It is a very good experiment and airlines will have no problem in recruiting young tribal people. We will provide them further training,” said Regional Director of Indian (Airlines) NR Phatak.
{{/usCountry}}Email Zeeshan Shaikh: zeeshan.shaikh@hindustantimes.com