Government is setting up a national-level skill development academy for giving skill training to those from minority communities, Minority Affairs Minister Najma Heptullah said.The Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS) is being set up with its headquarters in Delhi, the minister said while inaugurating the Annual Conference of State Channelising Agencies (SCAs) of National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) here today."This academy will serve as a specialised vehicle to implement skill development and upgradation programme for the minority communities, being undertaken," Heptullah said.
"It is an ambitious project focusing at providing skills training or upgradation of skill in those sectors of economy in which there is shortage or demand is likely to emerge in future, so that they can find gainful employment or self-employment opportunities," she said.The NMDFC will meanwhile ensure concessional credit flow to such people who have undergone skill training, or want to either set up, or expand their own business.An MoU was also signed between MANAS and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) to establish an extensive All India Collaborative Network for the academy.