Empowered Youth through Skills, Strong Steps towards a Developed Chhattisgarh

Special article World Youth Skills Development Day Empowered Youth through Skills, Strong Steps towards a Developed Chhattisgarh • Lakshmikant Kosaria, Deputy Director "Skill is the greatest capital of today's era. A youth who possesses a skill has no lack of opportunities." With this thought being realized, the Chhattisgarh government, through the Chief Minister's Skill Development Scheme, is continuously working to make the state's youth self-reliant by providing modern skill training aligned with industry demand and employment orientation. On the occasion of World Youth Skills Development Day it is appropriate to state that Chhattisgarh has achieved remarkable accomplishments in the field of skill development. The state is not only providing training to youth but also making effective efforts to ensure employment with quality training. Approximately five lakh youth received skill training Since the launch of the Chief Minister's Skill Development Scheme the state has provided skill training to 4,94,330 youths in various employment-oriented trades. Of these 2,74,934 youths have been placed in jobs. Currently, under the scheme, 375 vocational training providers (199 government and 176 private) are delivering high-quality training in accordance with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) across the state. In the financial year 2025-26, 9,418 youths have been trained, of which 7,528 have secured employment, while 6,679 youths are currently undergoing training in various courses. Modern curriculum aligned with changing times The state government has made extensive changes in skill training to connect youth with future technologies. In addition to traditional trades, advanced 21st century courses such as Electric Vehicle (EV) maintenance, drone operation, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI-ML), cyber security, and Solar Energy (Surya Mitra) are being offered. This year a Water Distribution Operator course was launched, targeting 2,770 youths with multi‑skill training to directly link them to jobs. Emphasis on quality Skill development in Chhattisgarh is not limited to training; several crucial steps have been taken to ensure its quality. Certification of Training of Trainers (TOT) has become mandatory for every trainer along with academic qualifications and experience, resulting in notable improvement in training standards. Moreover, a minimum seven‑day On‑the‑Job Training (OJT) is now compulsory before assessment for each trainee, providing practical exposure to industry processes. Training centres have implemented face‑based online biometric attendance systems, and all centres are equipped with IP‑based CCTV cameras for continuous monitoring, enhancing transparency, quality, and discipline. Guarantee of employment with training A major feature of the Chief Minister's Skill Development Scheme is the focused attention on youth employment after training. Before granting permission to operate, each vocational training provider must undergo verification of the employing organizations. Only after this verification is operation approved. Additionally, 60% of the funding to training centres is disbursed only when placement of trained youths is secured, motivating institutes to provide employment‑oriented training. Extending skill development to Bastar youth Efforts are underway to establish Skill Development Centers (SDC) in each development block of the Bastar division to reach remote and tribal areas. An Assistant Mason course has already been started in Bijapur district. Six rehabilitation centres in Bastar, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Sukma, Kanker and Bijapur have been registered as vocational training providers, with more centres to be added soon. Increased employment capacity through industry partnerships The state government has entered into significant agreements with reputed institutions to provide training aligned with industry needs. Tractor mechanic training has been launched in partnership with Mahindra & Mahindra, training 101 youths so far with 60 more currently in training. Syronix Technology Pvt. Ltd. is collaborating with Raipur's Livelihood College to conduct training in five electric vehicle job roles. Nandi Foundation is providing employability skills training to socially and economically disadvantaged women, training 1,142 youths. Partnerships with the hospitality and laundry sectors have initiated training for laundry supervisors and other job‑oriented courses. In the health sector, Shri Satya Sai Health & Education Trust is developing advanced skill modules related to cardiac and health services. Livelihood colleges as strong skill development hubs Across the state's districts, Livelihood Colleges have become a major avenue for skill development. Since 2013, these colleges have trained 68,552 youths, of whom 28,820 secured employment and 10,632 achieved self‑employment, totaling 39,452 individuals gaining livelihood. Currently, 2,413 youths are in training. Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, 13,188 youths have been trained through Livelihood Colleges since 2024. Expanding modern infrastructure All 26 districts now have fully operational Livelihood College buildings, with construction and land allocation progressing rapidly in newer districts. The state also operates 26 girls' hostels and 20 boys' hostels, with remaining hostels under construction and land allocation in progress. Center of Excellence to be set up in New Raipur The Chhattisgarh government is taking another important step to prepare youth for international as well as national competition. A Livelihood Center of Excellence will be established in Naya Raipur, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art machines, modern labs, special workshops, and industry‑aligned engineering and non‑engineering training of global standard. A budget of INR 2 crore has been provisioned for land lease contracts for this ambitious project in FY 2026-27. New vision of self‑reliance through skill development On World Youth Skills Development Day, Chhattisgarh's experience demonstrates that skill development is not merely a training programme but a powerful campaign to make youth confident, self‑reliant and employed. Through new technologies, quality training, industry partnerships, employment assurance mechanisms, and modern infrastructure, skill development is emerging as an effective model in Chhattisgarh. In the coming years this initiative will transform the lives of millions and play a crucial role in building a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India. National recognition for Chhattisgarh Youth Youth from the state are getting opportunities to showcase their talent at the national level. In FY 2025-26, 3,327 youths participated in the India Skill competitions across 19 skill trades at district and state levels, with 381 reaching the state stage. In the East Zone regional competition in Bhubaneswar, 38 participants from Chhattisgarh earned 1 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze and 4 Medal of Excellence awards, totaling 12 medals. At the national India Skill competition, 3 participants represented the state, with one securing a Medal of Excellence. The Government of India also honoured Chhattisgarh with a commendation letter for its outstanding performance and successful organization of these events.