A National Skill Development Programme aimed at training over 500 million youth across the country would be kickstarted at Muddenahalli, the birthplace of Sir M Visvesvaraya, icon of Karantaka tomorrow marking his 150th birth anniversary celebrations.

Speaking to reporters here today Union Law Minister Veerapa Moily, representing Chikballapur Lok Sabha segment where the birthplace is located, said training would be imparted in various fields, including housing, transport, IT with a view to prepare the young individuals to take on global competition by enhancing their skills and to make them part of the global skilled manpower resources.

Rs 60,000 crore was being proposed to be spent for the programme in the next decade, he said.

As part of the slew of initiatives being planned to mark the historic occasion, An Information Technology Investment Region (ITIR) would also be launched tomorrow.

The Union and state government project proposes to set up an IT investment region covering 10,000 acres, out of which 200 acres had been notified.

Launching of a rural BPO, financial programmes to help those keen in pursuing studies, a self employment training institute and entrepreneurship programme would be kicked off as part of the programmes.

There were also plans to set up one of the 14 Innovative Universities in Muddenhali, he said.

A special postal cover would be released on the occasion.