Skill development workshop brings 4 states together in Bhopal:Central zone seminar strengthens vocational skills; boosts youth employability

The National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), in partnership with Sant Shiromani Ravidas Global Skills Park (SSRGSP), Bhopal, and the Department of Technical Education, Skill Development Employment, Madhya Pradesh, organized a Capacity Building and Awareness Workshop for the Central Zone in Bhopal. The workshop brought together stakeholders from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh to discuss ways to strengthen the vocational education and training (VET) system. Strengthening the VET Ecosystem The one-day workshop focused on improving state-level skilling initiatives and raising awareness about NCVET’s role in regulating vocational education. Participants discussed quality assurance measures, the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and how awarding bodies and assessment agencies operate. The workshop also explored ways to integrate vocational education into schools and higher education institutions and emphasized the need for better coordination among skilling initiatives across states. The program began with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and a floral welcome for dignitaries. Key attendees at the workshop Several prominent officials attended the inaugural session. These included Dr. Vinita Agarwal and Dr. Neena Pahuja, Executive Members of NCVET; Shri Manish Singh, Principal Secretary, Madhya Pradesh; Dr. Solai Bharathidasan, Principal Secretary, Chhattisgarh; Shri Vijay Dayaram K., CEO, CSSDA; Dr. Girish Sharma, CEO, SSRGSP, Bhopal; and Shri Rishav Mandal, Director, Skills Employment, Rajasthan. Ministers stress the importance of Skill development In his video message, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development Entrepreneurship, described skill development as a national necessity and a key driver of India’s future growth. He highlighted reforms such as the National Credit Framework (NCrF), PMKVY 4.0, and the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) initiative. Dr. Gautam Tetwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Madhya Pradesh, noted that participation from multiple states shows the strength of India’s skilling system. He also highlighted initiatives such as SSRGSP, the State Skill Development Mission, and blended learning programs that prepare youth for employment and entrepreneurship. Move towards Skill India Both ministers emphasized the need to equip youth with future-ready and globally competitive skills, integrate vocational education with mainstream education, and promote learner-focused skilling programs. These efforts aim to improve employability, life skills, and career opportunities in modern, technology-driven industries, supporting India’s goal of becoming a developed nation.