The Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) has prepared a proposal to revive its long closed HEC Training Institute (HTI) in Ranchi, a move that could bring technical training opportunities back to Jharkhand youth and help create a skilled workforce for industrial jobs. Under the proposal, the institute’s building and facilities may be handed over to a private agency to restart training.
Proposal to Go Before HEC Board
The proposal is expected to be placed before the HEC Board of Directors at its next meeting. If approved, the management will begin the process of restoring the institute’s affiliation with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT). An agency would then be selected to run the institute under a new operational model. The plan could bring fresh life to a training centre that has remained largely inactive for several years.
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Training Could Help Local Youth Stay in Jharkhand
The revival of HTI could be particularly useful for young people seeking industrial training. Many students from Jharkhand currently travel to other cities and states for technical courses. Earlier, HTI offered ITI training in electrician, fitter, machinist, COPA and welder trades. Electrician, fitter and machinist courses were of two years, while COPA and welder courses were of one year. Around 200 students were admitted every year in two shifts. Several former trainees went on to work with HEC and other major industrial companies, while some are also reported to have found jobs abroad.
Five Trades Closed After New Admissions Stopped
The institute’s operations were affected by HEC’s financial difficulties, with fresh admissions stopping from 2022-23. The NCVT affiliation for COPA and welder was subsequently withdrawn, followed by the electrician, fitter and machinist trades. With this, all five trades became inactive. At present, only two employees are posted at the institute to look after office work and records.
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More Than 150 Machines Face Security Concerns
The condition and security of the institute’s equipment will be another challenge if operations resume. Employees said several machines and components were stolen during the prolonged closure, including motors, lathe machine parts and even the institute’s transformer. HTI has more than 150 small and large machines. The proposed agency-based operation could allow the existing infrastructure to be used again, but restoring equipment and strengthening security would be necessary before regular training can resume.
VPF Issue of HEC Employees Reaches Ministry
Meanwhile, the long-pending issue of repayment of Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) contributions and related settlement of HEC employees has reached the Heavy Industries Ministry. The ministry’s CPSE-HEC section has written to the HEC CMD, forwarding an email sent by employee and trade union leader Laldev Singh on 6th September and asking the management to take necessary action. The letter has also been marked to HEC’s Vice-President (Human Resources). Employees have been waiting for resolution of various financial liabilities and related benefits for a long time. They are now watching for the action HEC management takes on the VPF contributions and other settlement-related issues.
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