Government announces establishment of Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills (MANAS)

The Minister for Minority Affairs, Najma Heptullah, announced the establishment of a nation level skill development Academy, “Maulana Azad National Academy for Skills” (MANAS) with headquarters in Delhi.

MANAS will focus on providing skills, upgrading abilities and training members of minority communities in those sectors of the economywhich are either facing a shortage or labour or where demand for labour is expected to surge. MANAS will also train people so that they may be self-employed. The National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC) will provide assistance with credit for persons who have undergone training at MANAS and wish to establish their own business or be self employed. MANAS will also collaborate with multiple national and international agencies to provide certification and assistance with placement for the trainees, and also to secure funding for the program.

A MoU was also signed by MANAS and the National Skill Development Corporation to establish an All India Collaborative Network for MANAS.