GHMC’s ₹50-crore model markets to turn skill hubs for youth and women

The model market buildings lying vacant for over six years across the city might have found their purpose finally. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which has spent about ₹50 crore on their construction, is keen on repurposing the buildings for housing skilling centres for youth and women.

The GHMC is making efforts to establish skill centres across its six zones, towards imparting employable skills to the youth and women of the city. The target is to establish two skill centres per each zone, informed officials from the Urban Community Development wing of the GHMC, which is the nodal agency for the programme.

Proposals for two such centres respectively in Mallepally and Alwal, in tie up with two different organisations, await approval from the standing committee.

The Light House Communities Foundation of Pune is seeking partnership with the GHMC to set up the skilling and livelihood centre in the model market building of Mallepally, with the goal of training disadvantaged women and youth. The building has been chosen due to its accessibility to about 8,400 households in slums.

Upon receiving approval from the standing committee, a memorandum of understanding will be signed between GHMC’s zonal commissioner and the Foundation for one year. The youth will be provided help with curriculum vitae, mock interviews, and motivation, besides a connect with industry partners and employers. Post placement monitoring and support too will be provided for the youth to continue in the employment.

Expected outcomes include course completion and employment for 600 youth per year — 50% of them women, and digital empowerment and spoken English training in order to impart workplace competencies.

Dr. Vijay Kumar Datla Foundation, a corporate social responsibility arm of Biological E. Limited, aims to establish the skilling and livelihood centre in Alwal, to serve the youth of Medchal-Malkajgiri as well as Hyderabad districts.

The model market building near Bolarum is sought to be used for the skilling centre, for a period of three years, with the same conditions as that of Mallepally.

The GHMC had built 38 model market buildings in different parts of the city, conceptualised during the 100-day action plan conceptualised in 2015. Of these, more than 20 are lying completely vacant for lack of takers due to remote location and inaccessibility. Occupancy in several other buildings is only about 60-70%.

In April, 2023, proposals were invited from the Engineering officials from all the circles, to suggest ways in which the left over shops of the markets may be put to use. Cooperative credit societies, Basti Dawakhanas, counselling centres for self-help groups, small gyms, and libraries/reading rooms were a few suggestions received.