Skill Development Should Be Adaptive, Not Prescriptive
Speaking at the Kaushal Manthan Regional Workshop in Hyderabad, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, emphasized the need for a more flexible approach to skill development. He urged states to create localized solutions that reflect their unique economic contexts and the aspirations of their youth. The Minister also announced the establishment of two new Centres of Excellence aimed at enhancing instructor training and specialized skilling in emerging sectors, marking a significant step towards a more adaptive skill development ecosystem.
New Centres of Excellence Announced
During the workshop, Minister Chaudhary unveiled plans for two new Centres of Excellence at the National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) in Hyderabad and Chennai. These centres are part of a broader initiative to establish five such facilities across the country. They will serve as national reference points for high-quality instructor training and specialized skilling, focusing on emerging domains that align with the evolving job market. The Minister highlighted that these centres will play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of skill training, ensuring that it meets the demands of both local economies and the aspirations of the youth.
Strategic Approach to Skill Development
Minister Chaudhary stressed the importance of adopting a strategic, outcome-oriented approach to skill development. He called on states to align their skilling initiatives with the aspirations of India’s youth and the changing demands of the economy. The Minister emphasized that quality training is dependent on the capabilities of the trainers. Therefore, he advocated for increased investments in faculty development, including better remuneration and rigorous pedagogical standards. He also encouraged states to collaborate with district collectors to create localized skilling plans based on detailed skill gap assessments.
Mandatory Certification for Instructors
In a bid to ensure high-quality instruction across the country, the Minister announced that the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) certification will become mandatory for all newly recruited instructors, particularly in newly established Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). This requirement is aimed at standardizing instruction and maintaining high educational standards. The Minister urged states to revise their Recruitment Rules to align with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) norms, thereby institutionalizing the CITS as a necessary qualification for instructors. This uniform enforcement is seen as essential for achieving consistency in training outcomes nationwide.
Focus on Accountability and Industry Linkages
The workshop also addressed the need for a robust grading and assessment framework for state-owned ITIs to foster accountability and quality assurance. Minister Chaudhary encouraged states to utilize platforms like DISHA meetings to raise awareness among elected representatives about the significance of skilling in economic development. He identified stronger industry linkages and the aspirational positioning of vocational education as key factors in building a globally competitive workforce. The Minister reaffirmed that investing in youth is a long-term commitment that will yield significant benefits for both individuals and the nation as a whole.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
