New fire safety course at ITIs; may become must for firemen

PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday announced that a Fire and Emergency Services course will be introduced across all Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in Goa from the upcoming academic year, as part of efforts to equip youth with essential safety and disaster response skills.
Speaking at the launch of the ‘Career Jagor’ initiative at Kala Academy, Sawant said the course will train students in fire safety, rescue operations, and emergency response. He added that, in the future, aspiring firefighters may be required to possess an ITI certification.
Launched as a statewide initiative by SCERT, ‘Career Jagor’ aims to empower students with clarity and confidence in shaping their futures
The Chief Minister said nearly 600 teachers will serve as Career Ambassadors, providing guidance to Class 10 and 12 students at a crucial stage in their academic journey. He pointed out that many students scoring above 80 per cent in Class 10 often opt for unsuitable streams due to a lack of awareness. He said it is the responsibility of schools and teachers to ensure students make informed decisions after board examinations.
He further noted that the initiative will expose students to diverse career options beyond traditional fields, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and entrepreneurship, in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to harness the potential of India’s youth.
“Career Jagor will help students make informed choices based on their abilities and aspirations, giving them the confidence to take their first steps towards a successful future,” Sawant added.
Highlighting the importance of career guidance, the Chief Minister urged teachers to take a proactive role in mentoring students. “Students trust their teachers the most, and teachers understand their strengths well. They are best placed to guide students in choosing the right career path,” he said, stressing the need for educators to stay updated on emerging career opportunities.
Director of State Council of Educational Research and Training, Meghana Shetgaonkar, announced that a dedicated Career Cell will be established with representatives from government departments and industry. The cell will remain connected with schools to guide teachers, trainers, and students on career pathways and opportunities.