SHIMLA: Governor Kavinder Gupta today said that skill development was the strongest foundation for creating a self-reliant workforce and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He was addressing the Skill Convocation Ceremony organised by Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), Shimla at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Shimla.
Congratulating the trainees who successfully completed their skill training, the Governor emphasised that skills empower individuals to contribute effectively to society and participate actively in the nation’s progress. He said that the positive impact of the skill development initiatives of the Government of India was clearly visible in Himachal Pradesh. Since the inception of various centrally initiated and sponsored skill development schemes, 4,86,288 youth in the state have been trained or benefitted.
He said these achievements reflect the success of flagship programmes of the central government aimed at empowering youth through industry-oriented training and employment opportunities. He maintained that Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, 1,77,549 youth have benefitted, while 95,942 youth have been covered under the JSS Skill Development Scheme. Similarly, 48,947 youth have benefitted under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and 1,63,850 youth have received training through the Craftsmen Training Scheme and Industrial Training Institutes in the State.
Highlighting the vision of PM Narendra Modi, Kavinder Gupta said that initiatives such as the Skill India Mission, Startup India, Stand-Up India, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan have transformed skill development into a nationwide movement. Referring to the Prime Minister’s mantra of “Skill, Re-skill and Up-skill”, he said continuous learning has become crucial in the era of digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence and changing job markets.
Emphasising the importance of linking education with skills, the Governor said that the National Education Policy 2020 has given special focus to integrating education, skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship to prepare youth for future challenges. The Governor congratulated the management, trainers and entire team of JSS, Shimla, for their efforts in empowering youth and contributing towards the creation of a skilled and self-reliant society.
Seh Sangathan Mantri, Vidya Bharti Uttar Kshetra Bal Kishan welcomed the Governor and said that alongside education, Vidya Bharati was also dedicated to instilling values and character. Vidya Bharati operates 1,268 schools across the country and students educated there are now serving in high-ranking positions. The organization works with a spirit of dedication towards the holistic development of its students.
Earlier, Chairman, Himachal Shiksha Samiti, Himachal Prant Mohan Kesta welcomed the Governor on the occasion and briefed about the “Kaushal Dikshant Samaroh”. He also apprised about The Jan Shikshan Sansthan. Director JSS Manjula Attri, read out the annual report of the sansthan. Later, the Governor also took keen interest in an exhibition put up by women trained under the skill development program.
Secretary to the Governor Sandeep Bhardwaj, General Secretary of Vidya Bharati (North Zone) Dila Ram Chauhan, General Secretary of Himachal Shiksha Samiti (Vidya Bharati) Suresh Kapil, Founder of Yoga Bharati Himachal Srinivas Murthy and other prominent people were also present on the occasion.
