Tingkat kemahiran 1,000 belia India, kurangkan kadar keciciran, gesa Santiago

Former MP Charles Santiago has called for a nationwide committee to be established to increase the skill level of at least 1,000 Indian youths and reduce school dropout rates within their community. Santiago suggested setting a specific target of 1,000 Indian youths to participate in skill-enhancing programs, which could be identified through schools, open applications, and NGOs.

These programs could involve technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as well as other initiatives, with a focus on cybersecurity and digital work. The MP emphasized the need for a special effort to prevent Indian students from dropping out of school and becoming involved in negative activities, such as gang recruitment.

By providing opportunities for them to develop practical skills through TVET and other vocational programs, the government can offer alternative pathways to gain relevant skills, qualifications, and employment. Such programs can also help ensure that at-risk youths engage in educational or training activities and reduce their exposure to negative influences.

Santiago warned against viewing the issue solely as a gangsterism problem within the Indian community, as it could unfairly stigmatize the group. He advocated for the establishment of a Cabinet-level committee on Indian welfare, comprising senior ministers, to coordinate and accelerate action to benefit the Indian community. The committee's immediate focus should be on expanding skill training and addressing school dropout rates.

In August, a coalition of 19 Indian NGOs, known as the Wave of Compassion, proposed the creation of a special trust, public-private funding mechanism, and Cabinet-level committee to tackle the socio-economic challenges faced by the Indian community. Santiago, speaking on behalf of the coalition, called for the Cabinet committee to be established as soon as possible to lay the foundation for funding mechanisms and a specialized trust.