World Youth Skills Day 2024: Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Shri Jayant Chaudhary, attended an open house, “Kaushal Samwaad”, to celebrate World Youth Skills Day, which is recognised globally by the United Nations. He also interacted with professionals, trained on various skills through different Skill India schemes and programs and their trainers during the event. The day also commemorated the 10th-year celebrations of the Skill India Mission. Shri Chaudhary and Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, also planted a tree on the Kaushal Bhawan premises, symbolizing growth and the nurturing of talent.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary commended the ongoing efforts of the Ministry 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, he said.
Shri Chaudhary also said that the Ministry is working towards making lifelong learning a fundamental necessity for young talent and exposing individuals to diverse skill sets from the school level, which is a vital step in this direction aligning with the new National Education Policy. He also said that events like 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 said that the Ministry is dedicated to connecting youth with skill development and equipping them with both skills and education as a key step towards achieving the vision of self-reliant India. He also said that more than 1.40 crore youth under PMKVY have been trained and more than 33 lakh candidates have been engaged as apprentices. The Ministry has upgraded multiple skilling institutions to provide high-quality training and partnered with distinguished ministries and industry partners to enhance employability and widen avenues for increased employment opportunities in global markets, Shri Tiwari added.
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.
The young professionals present were beneficiaries/candidates from schemes such as 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 experiences with the Minister and highlighted the importance of equipping themselves with skills for wider job opportunities and entrepreneurship. Their stories were vivid illustrations of transformation. Each shared how skill development had not only reshaped their futures but ignited their passion and drive. The skill trainers who guided them were also present at the event.
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 women in traditionally male-dominated job roles such as carpentry and automobile is a testament to the Ministry’s 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.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasises 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 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. The 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 its collaboration with advanced options such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in its training programs. This forward-thinking approach ensures that India\’s youth are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.
