The Mega Leather, Footwear, and Accessories Cluster (MLFAC) Industrial Park in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu, plays a pivotal role in enhancing skill development within the region’s leather industry through several key initiatives:
1. Establishment of Training and Skill Upgradation Programs:
- Youth Training Initiatives: The MLFAC cluster offers comprehensive training and skill upgradation programs tailored for the youth, focusing on various aspects of leather product manufacturing, including footwear, garments, bags, and accessories.
- Employment Generation: By equipping individuals with industry-relevant skills, these programs aim to create a wide array of employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.
2. Integration with National Skill Development Schemes:
- Indian Footwear and Leather Development Programme (IFLDP): The MLFAC Industrial Park aligns with the objectives of the IFLDP, a central sector scheme approved by the Government of India, which focuses on human resource development, infrastructure enhancement, and environmental concerns in the leather sector.
- Skill Development Targets: Under the IFLDP, there is a concerted effort to provide primary skill development training to unemployed individuals and facilitate their placement within the leather and footwear sectors, thereby addressing the industry’s demand for skilled labor.
3. Collaboration with Industry Stakeholders:
- Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) Implementation: Each MLFAC project is implemented by an SPV, a legal entity responsible for ensuring the project’s success. The SPV plays a crucial role in mobilizing resources, coordinating training programs, and fostering partnerships with educational institutions and industry experts to deliver effective skill development initiatives.
Through these concerted efforts, the MLFAC Industrial Park not only enhances the skill sets of the local workforce but also ensures that the leather industry in Panapakkam remains competitive and capable of meeting both domestic and international market demands.