Enhancement of skill levels of the workforce, along with retraining facilities, would serve to sustain and protect employment and enhance employability. For instance, various sensization workshops about retraining facilities and alternative employment opportunities have already been held for displaced diamond workers in Surat. Upgradation of ITIs as Centre of Excellence and Skill Development Initiative launched for school dropouts and unorganized sector workers would help. In accordance with the decision taken in the meeting held by Cabinet Secretary, Government of India with Chief Secretaries on 31st January, 2020, a letter has been sent to the State Governments to expedite effective utilization of funds allocated to States under various skill development schemes which will not only stimulate the economy but also create world class modern infrastructure for skilling of youth. In order to prepare a roadmap for future action I had called a meeting of trade union representatives. The Indian Labour Conference scheduled to be held today and tomorrow is going to deliberate, inter alai, on this vital issue. While the steps taken by us so far will mitigate the sufferings of workers to some extent, much more needs to be done by the Government and social partners. We look forward to valuable suggestions and support from hon. Members of Parliament to meet this challenge. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I am extremely surprised the way in which the hon. Member of the Government has made a statement. It is too innocent to describe the present situation; it is too unpardonable because it does not hold out any hope for the future crisis has affected certain segments of the Indian economy. No. The Government cannot hide behind the global, meltdown,.
