Model market buildings across the city that have been vacant for more than six years may finally have found their purpose. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which has spent around ₹ 50 crore on their construction, is keen to renovate the buildings for housing skill centers for youth and women.
GHMC is trying to set up skill centers in its six zones to impart employable skills to the youth and women of the city. The target is to set up two skill centers in each zone, informed officials of the urban community development wing of GHMC, the nodal agency of the programme.
A proposal for two such centers in alliance with two separate organizations at Mallepally and Alwal respectively is awaiting approval from the Standing Committee.
Light House Community Foundation in Pune is seeking partnership with GHMC to set up a Skill and Livelihood Center at Model Bazar Bhawan in Mallepally with the aim of training disadvantaged women and youth. The building was chosen because of its accessibility to about 8,400 households in the settlement.
After getting the approval from the Standing Committee, the MoU will be signed between the Zonal Commissioner of GHMC and the Foundation for one year. Youth will be provided with help with curriculum vitae, mock interviews and motivation as well as networking with industry partners and employers. Post-placement monitoring and support will also be provided to help youth continue in employment.
Expected outcomes include training and employing 600 youth per year – 50% of whom are women, and digital empowerment and spoken English training to provide workplace skills.
Dr. Vijay Kumar Datla Foundation, Biological E. Ltd.’s Corporate Social Responsibility arm, aims to set up a Skill and Livelihood Center at Alwal to serve the youth of Medchal-Malkazgiri and Hyderabad districts.
The model market building near Bolarum is proposed to be used as a skill center for a period of three years with the same conditions as Mallepally.
GHMC had constructed 38 model market buildings in different parts of the city as part of a 100-day action plan envisaged in 2015. More than 20 of them are completely vacant due to remote location and lack of buyers. Many other buildings are only 60-70% occupied.
In April, 2023, proposals were invited from engineering officers of all circles, to suggest that the remaining shops in the market could be utilised. Co-operative credit societies, slum dispensaries, counseling centers for self-help groups, small gyms, and libraries/reading rooms were some of the suggestions received.
published – Dec 26, 2024 at 08:25 pm IST