New Delhi, July, 2024.

Today, Kaushal Bhawan was charged with an incredible vitality as our young, talented professionals, who honed skills through various Skill India schemes and programs, and came together to celebrate World Youth Skills Day which is recognised globally by the United Nations. Marking the day and the also the beginning of the 10^thyear celebrations of Skill India Mission, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised a "Kaushal Samwaad"– an open house dialogue and a platform that became the stage for this dynamic exchange, where these emerging stars had the opportunity to converse with the Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE, Shri Jayant Chaudhary.

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.

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.

It was truly inspiring and heartwarming for the Hon’ble 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.

The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE;Shri Nilambuj Sharan, Senior Economic Advisor, MSDE; Ms. Trishaljit Sethi, DG Training, MSDE, Ms Madhumitha Das, Joint Secretary and Financial Advisor, MSDE, Ms. Sonal Mishra, Joint Secretary, MSDE, Ms. Hena Usman, Joint Secretary, MSDE, and Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International.

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.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)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.”

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE said, “The ministry is dedicated to connecting youth with skill development and equipping them with both skills and education is a keystep towards achieving the vision of self-reliant India. Today, we have trained more than 1.40 crore youth under PMKVY, ensured that more than 33 lakh candidates have been engaged as apprentices, upgraded multiple skilling institutions to provide high-quality trainingand partnered with distinguished ministriesand industry partners to enhance employability and widened avenues for increased opportunities of employment in global markets. Dialogues like Kaushal Samwaad bring together the best of experiences, promotes exchange of innovative ideas and motivates individuals belonging to the skill ecosystem for becoming a part of the nation building initiative.

Listening to the experiences and witnessing how skill development has transformed their lives was like watching a blank canvas come to life with vibrant colors. Their enthusiasm for life and immense passion to chase their dreams showcase the incredible impact of the Skill India Mission.”

The Hon'ble Minister Secretary, MSDE, also planted a tree within the Kaushal Bhawan premises, 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.

Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiemphasises on the importance of skilling and the critical role it plays in shaping the future of India. Taking this vision ahead, MSDE has played a pivotal role in creating a holistic skilling ecosystem to enhance the employability and foster a culture of entrepreneurship among young India.Over the last nine years, MSDE has significantly expanded its reach and effectiveness. 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. Noteworthy reforms include the decentralization of skill development through State Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Committees and the shift from traditional exams to computer-based tests, reducing result processing times.

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.

Taking this legacy ahead, the Ministry is also working towards expanding their collaboration with advance options such as such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) into its training programs. This forward-thinking approach ensures that India's youth are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship invites all stakeholders, including students, educators, and employers, to join hands in empowering the youth and building a skilled India.