Special Article - World Youth Skill Development Day

Special Article - World Youth Skill Development Day Skilled and empowered youth, strong steps towards a developed Chhattisgarh • Laxmikant Kosaria, Deputy Director "Skill is the biggest capital of today. A youth who has talent does not lack opportunities." With this thought, the Chhattisgarh government, through the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme, is continuously working to provide modern skill training aligned with industry demand and employment‑oriented training to make the state's youth self‑reliant. On the occasion of World Youth Skill Development Day, it is apt to say that Chhattisgarh has achieved notable milestones in skill development. The state is not only providing training but also making effective efforts to ensure quality training leads to employment. Approximately five lakh youth have received skill training Since the launch of the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme, 4 lakh 94 thousand 330 youths have been provided skill training in various employment‑oriented trades. Out of these, 2 lakh 74 thousand 934 have been placed in jobs. Currently, under the scheme, 375 vocational training providers (199 government and 176 private) are delivering high‑quality training aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) across the state. In FY 2025‑26, 9 thousand 418 youths have been trained, of whom 7 thousand 528 have secured jobs, while 6 thousand 679 are currently undergoing training in various courses. Modern curricula for the changing era 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), cybersecurity, and Suryamitra (solar energy) 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 critical steps have been taken to ensure quality. Trainer qualification, experience and a mandatory Training of Trainers (TOT) certification are now required, leading to notable improvement in training quality. Each trainee must undergo at least seven days of on‑the‑job training (OJT) before assessment, providing practical exposure to real industry processes. Training centres have implemented face‑based online biometric attendance systems and IP‑based CCTV cameras for continuous monitoring, increasing transparency and improving quality and discipline. Guarantee of employment with training The chief feature of the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme is the focus on employment after training. Before granting permission to operate, each vocational training provider’s partnering employment agencies are vetted. Only after this verification is operation approved. Moreover, 60 percent of the funds to training centres is released only when placement of trained youths is ensured, motivating institutions to deliver employment‑oriented training. Reaching Bastar youth Skill development is extending to remote and tribal areas through the establishment of Skill Development Centers (SDC) in each development block of Bastar division. An Assistant Mason course has started in Bijapur district. Bastar, Dantewada, Narayanpur, Sukma, Kanker and Bijapur, along with six rehabilitation centres, have been registered as vocational training providers, and more centres are being added quickly. Industry partnerships increasing employment capacity The state government has signed important agreements with reputed institutions to provide training aligned with industry needs. A Tractor Mechanic program has been launched with Mahindra & Mahindra, training 101 youth so far with another 60 currently in training. Syronix Technology Pvt Ltd, in collaboration with Raipur's Livelihood College, runs training for five job roles in electric vehicle technology. Nandi Foundation is providing employability skills training to socially and economically disadvantaged women, training 1,142 youth. Partnerships in tourism and hospitality with Laundry Bag have started Laundry Supervisor and other job‑oriented courses. In the health sector, Shri Satya Sai Health and Education Trust is developing advanced skill modules related to cardiac and health services. Livelihood colleges as strong skill development hubs The Livelihood Colleges operating in various districts have become a principal medium for skill development. Since 2013, they have trained 68,552 youths, of whom 28,820 secured employment and 10,632 started self‑employment, totaling 39,452 youth now earning a livelihood. Currently, 2,413 youths are in training. Under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, 13,188 youths have been trained through these colleges since 2024. Expansion of modern infrastructure 26 districts now have fully operational Livelihood College buildings. Construction and land allocation for new colleges are progressing rapidly in other districts. The state also has 26 girls’ hostels and 20 boys’ hostels fully functional, with remaining hostels under construction and land allocation. Centre of Excellence in Naya Raipur Chhattisgarh government is taking another significant step to prepare youth for national and international competition. A Livelihood Centre of Excellence will be established in Naya Raipur, equipped with state‑of‑the‑art machines, modern labs, special workshops and world‑class training in engineering and non‑engineering streams as per industry demand. A budget of Rs 2 crore has been allocated for land lease contracts for the FY 2026‑27 project. New vision of self‑reliance through skill development On World Youth Skill Development Day, Chhattisgarh’s experience shows that skill development is not just a training programme but a powerful campaign to make youth confident, self‑reliant and employable. Through new technologies, quality training, industry partnerships, employment assurance mechanisms and modern infrastructure, Chhattisgarh is emerging as an effective model of skill development. In coming years, this initiative will transform millions of lives and play a pivotal role in building a developed Chhattisgarh and a developed India. National recognition for Chhattisgarh Youth are getting opportunities to showcase talent at the national level. In 2025‑26, 3,327 youths participated in district and state‑level India Skill competitions across 19 trades, with 381 reaching state level. In the East Zone competition at Bhubaneswar, 38 participants from Chhattisgarh won 1 gold, 2 silver, 5 bronze and 4 Medal of Excellence, totaling 12 medals. At the national India Skill competition, three participants represented the state, with one winning a Medal of Excellence. The Government of India also honoured Chhattisgarh with a commendation letter for its excellent performance and successful organisation.