Marking the World Youth Skills Day on July 15 and the also the beginning of the 10th year celebrations of Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised a “Kaushal Samwaad” – an open house dialogue where a group of 50 skilled people who have honed skills through various Skill India schemes and programs came together to celebrate the event. It also provided a stage for exchange where they had the opportunity to converse with the newly appointed Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, Shri Jayant Chaudhary. The event was attended by key dignitaries including Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE; Nilambuj Sharan, Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE; Trishaljit Sethi, DG Training, MSDE, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International and other senior officials.
The presence of their Gurus, the skill trainers who have guided them with unwavering commitment, added another layer of depth to the occasion. Their collective energy and enthusiasm established the profound impact of the Skill India Mission and offered a glimpse into a future brimming with potential and promise. Furthermore, the candidates present at the event were trained in diverse traditional and new-age job roles including Kisan Drone Operator, Hairdresser, Goldsmith, German Language Trainer, Japanese Language Trainer, Solar PV Installer, Airline Customer Service Representative, HVAC Technician, and Travel Hospitality Specialist. The participation of the women in traditionally male dominated job roles like carpentry and automobile is a testament of ministry’s perpetual efforts to foster an inclusive and diverse workforce. Candidates from Chennai, Srinagar, Guwahati, Ladakh and Kashmir also joined virtually to share their stories with all.
It was truly inspiring and heartwarming for the Minister to interact with young professionals from various schemes. There were beneficiaries/ candidates were from schemes like PMKVY (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana), PM Vishwakarma, NAPS (National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) while some represented successful entrepreneurs of NIESBUD (National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development), beneficiaries under SANKALP (Skill Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion) and students of ITI (Industrial Training Institute) and more. The candidates shared their learning experience and highlighted the importance of equipping themselves with skills for wider job opportunities and entrepreneurship.
Their stories were not just narratives; they were vivid illustrations of transformation, akin to a blank canvas coming alive with a spectrum of colors. Each shared how skill development had not only reshaped their futures but ignited their passion and drive.
Speaking on the occasion, MSDE minister said, “I congratulate the Skill India Mission on the beginning of its ten-year anniversary and commend its ongoing efforts to strengthen the ecosystem of skilling, education, and entrepreneurship in India. The role of youth skills in peacebuilding and sustainable development is significant, meeting the demand for skilled professionals across industries and tackling issues at the global platform. Furthermore, the Ministry is working towards making lifelong learning a fundamental necessity for young talent and exposing individuals to diverse skill sets from school level is a vital step in this direction aligning to the new National Education Policy. I am confident that this Kaushal Samwaad will promote innovation, focused training, employability, and entrepreneurship, inspiring young talent to excel in their chosen fields and contribute to the nation’s socio-economic growth.”
Giving information on the decade-old Skill India Mission, Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE said that more than 1.40 crore youth have been trained under PMKVY, more than 33 lakh candidates have been engaged as apprentices, upgraded multiple skilling institutions to provide high-quality training and partnered with distinguished ministries and industry partners to enhance employability and widened avenues for increased opportunities of employment in global markets. The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has revitalized Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), increasing their number by 5000 over the last 10 years. National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) have grown, including 19 exclusively for women. Collaborative efforts have led to numerous MoUs, enhancing training and certification. These initiatives, alongside the introduction of new-age courses and infrastructure upgrades, highlight MSDE’s ongoing commitment to skill development across India.
A tree within the Kaushal Bhawan premises housing MSDE was planted, symbolizing growth and the nurturing of talent. This act served as a fitting metaphor for the Skill India Mission’s ongoing commitment to fostering skill development and empowering the youth.
