:-
(a) whether computer has become biggest means of employment nowadays;
(b) if so, whether the Government is running any programme for providing quality education in computers to the educated and unemployed youths of poor and weaker sections;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the action taken in this regard during the last two years, State-wise; and
(d) if not, the time by which the Government is likely to formulate a plan in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY(DR.SHAKEEL AHMAD)
(a): As per National association of Software and Services
Companies (NASSCOM) estimates, the total demand for IT and
Information Technology Enabled Services (ITES) professionals by
the end of financial year 2007-08 is projected to exceed 2
million.
(b), (c) and (d): The following programmes are supported by the
Government:-
(i) DOEACC Society is implementing a scheme for generation of
quality manpower in the area of Information Technology in the non-
formal sector. Under the scheme, four levels of courses, viz.
`O`, `A`, `B` and `C` level courses are offered through its
centers and franchises located across the country. These courses
have a scholarship scheme for SC/ST, female and physically
handicapped students with effect from January 2003 Examination.
(ii) DOEACC Society is offering ITES-Business Process
Outsourcing (BPO) Course in association with Ministry of
Development of North-Eastern Region. The course is offered at
DOEACC Region. The course is offered at DOEACC Centres located in
the North-eastern region. A similar course is also offered in
Jammu & Kashmir with the support of Department of Information
Technology. The courses are offered at the rates less than the
estimated cost.
(iii) Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is
training the students at rates less than the estimated cost on
Computer Literacy Programme (CLP) through Community Information
Centres (CICs) in North-Eastern states. Sof far 203 CICs have
been activated for the course.
(iv) In the vocational training offered through Industrial
Training Institutes (ITIs) / Industrial Training Centres (ITCs)
courses under Craftsment Training Scheme (CTS) are offered in
computer related trades. No fee is charged from SC/ST and
physically handicapped trainees. Also, the Apprenticeship
Training Scheme implemented through industrial establishments
undeer the Apprentices Act 1961 includes three computer related
trades.