In a dynamic session of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Thursday, the spotlight fell on groundbreaking proposals to revolutionize higher education and employment landscapes during the 2026-27 budget discussions. The introduction and passage of the Uttar Pradesh State Universities (Amendment) Bill 2026 and its second variant signaled a new era for academic institutions.
Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, steering the higher education portfolio, laid out the vision under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s leadership: a robust, transparent, and high-quality education ecosystem. The bills, cleared by a majority vote, promise strengthened administrative structures and enriched academic experiences for students across the state.
Shifting gears to practical empowerment, the UP Skill Mission rolled out targeted vocational programs at Lucknow’s Rajkiya ITI Aliganj. The 320-hour Automotive Assembly Operator course and 420-hour Electric Vehicle Maintenance Technician training are open to 10th/12th/ITI pass-outs aged 18+. Prioritizing inclusivity, reservations ensure opportunities for women and persons with disabilities. Successful completers will walk into job placements, embodying the first-come, first-served efficiency.
MSME Minister Rakesh Sachan painted an inspiring picture of the ODOP scheme’s impact since 2018: 316,000 jobs created, 131,000 artisans skilled with toolkits. Saharanpur’s success story—2,275 advanced kits and Rs 16.26 crore for 454 artisans—exemplifies the scheme’s reach. Backed by Rs 200 crore this year, ODOP has doubled exports to Rs 1.86 lakh crore, with handicrafts contributing 50%. With 79 GI tags, UP products are conquering international markets.
This multifaceted approach—overhauling universities, skilling youth, and reviving local crafts—positions Uttar Pradesh as a powerhouse of self-sufficiency and prosperity, with employment at its core.