MARGAO: Union Minister of State (MoS) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, along with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, inaugurated ten skill training centres under the PM Vishwakarma scheme in Goa, making it the first state to launch the initial batch and centres of this scheme.
Speaking at the event organized on Thursday by the Directorate of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (DSDE) at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Chandrasekhar emphasized the government’s commitment to making 25,000 youth in Goa ‘future-ready’ and equipped with industry-relevant skills.
In his keynote address, Chandrasekar said that to make India a developed country by 2047, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s goal is to empower the youth. He underlined the changing employment landscape, stating that possessing academic degrees alone is insufficient in the current scenario. He emphasized the need for individuals to possess practical skills for job execution, expressing the government’s dedication to ensuring at least one skilled individual in every household. Reflecting on India’s economic progress, Chandrasekhar noted that from being among the five fragile economies in 2014, the country has now secured a place in the top five, with the PM aspiring to reach the top three. He stressed the importance of skilling over traditional education to align with the evolving economic model.
The CM echoed these sentiments, stating that Goa aims to become ‘Skill, Fit, and Inclusive’ in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat' by 2047. Sawant highlighted the historic move of identifying and supporting 18 traditional occupations and trades, providing them with government support. These individuals, including tailors, fishermen, and cobblers, will receive ID cards, training stipend of Rs 2,500, free toolkits worth Rs 15,000, and an initial loan of Rs 1 lakh at a 4% interest rate, with government guaranteeing the loan. Sawant praised the Modi government for honouring these traditional artisans, who, for the first time, have received official recognition and support.
The CM shared the PM’s focus on ‘Nari Shakti,’‘Yuva Shakti,’‘Kisan Shakti,’ and ‘Garib Kalyan’ for 2047, announcing the possibility for students to pursue graduation alongside ITI courses in vital skills. Goa takes the lead in starting these skill training centres, with 3000 registrations already received.
awant emphasized the vision of a ‘Skilled Goa’ aligned with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ initiative.
The CM unveiled the government’s plan to launch dual-degree or certificate courses, allowing students to simultaneously enrol in ITI courses with their graduation. This initiative aims to create a skilled workforce in the state, attracting more employment opportunities. The government has signed MoUs with various entities, including the DSDE, Directorate of Higher Education, and IT sector industries, to provide training to the youth.