Bengal to train 7,000 garage workers in modern auto tech under 'Utkarsh Bangla' scheme

The West Bengal Transport Department has announced a state-wide training initiative to equip garage workers with knowledge of modern automobile technology. The project will cover 505 registered garages and benefit approximately 5,187 skilled and semi-skilled workers initially. The total target is to train around 7,000 personnel across the state. The scheme aims to align garage skills with the changing technology used in new-generation vehicles and feature-enhanced older models.

The initiative was discussed during a meeting at the University Institute Hall in Kolkata in the presence of Transport Minister Snehasish Chakraborty and senior officials. The department plans to include small roadside garage operators as part of the project. The training programme will be implemented under the 'Utkarsh Bangla' scheme and monitored by the Department of Technical Education, Training, and Skill Development. A senior transport department official said that the introduction of advanced vehicle models makes it necessary to upgrade the technical capabilities of garage workers.

In addition to technical training, the state will encourage workers to enrol under the Labour Department’s free social security and welfare schemes. These include the 'West Bengal Transport Workers Social Security Scheme,' which currently covers around 4.13 lakh unorganised sector transport workers. The scheme offers benefits such as monthly pensions post-retirement, provident fund access, and financial support in case of death.