New Delhi: The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) convened the Regional Conference of Skill Ministers – Kaushal Manthan in Chandigarh on August 28, 2025. This landmark dialogue brought together Skill Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officers, and policy leaders from across North India, including Bihar, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The conference was chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India.
Focus on National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Centres of Excellence
At the heart of the conference was the ₹60,000 crore National Scheme for ITI Upgradation and Setting up of Centres of Excellence. The scheme aims to transform 1,000 Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into world-class institutes through a hub-and-spoke model backed by industry-led special purpose vehicles. The upgraded ITIs will have state-of-the-art infrastructure aligned with regional industry needs.
Discussion on Flagship Initiatives and Innovative Financing
The conference also reviewed other key initiatives such as PMKVY 4.0, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Jan Shikshan Sansthan. The need for stronger coordination with state-level programs and regional industry demands was widely emphasized. Innovative financing options like the Skill Impact Bond and the restructured Model Skill Loan Scheme were also discussed. Integration of vocational training with mainstream education under NEP 2020 through credit frameworks and apprenticeship-embedded degree programs was highlighted as a priority.
Emphasizing Coordination, Convergence, and Sectoral Diversity- Kaushal Manthan
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jayant Chaudhary stressed the importance of convergence and resource pooling among States and the Centre to empower youth with skills that lead to employment, entrepreneurship, and dignity of labour. He highlighted that skill development is a shared responsibility, with students urged to actively seize opportunities. Recognizing language and sports as future skills, Shri Chaudhary emphasized preparing a workforce that is aspirational, future-ready, and globally relevant.
States Showcase Innovations and Initiatives
Various States showcased pioneering efforts to build vibrant skill and entrepreneurship ecosystems:
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Punjab: ITI reforms including Centres of Excellence and new-age trades.
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Haryana: Drone Didi scheme, dual training systems, and India’s first Skill University.
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Bihar: Industry 4.0 collaborations, advanced training programs, and Jan Nayak Karpuri Thakur Skill University.
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Jammu & Kashmir: Mission YUVA initiative aiming to create over four lakh employment opportunities through grassroots entrepreneurship.
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Uttarakhand: Centres of Excellence and partnerships with Tata Technologies and Hero for Industry 4.0-ready workforce.
Commitment to Unified Action and Digital Empowerment
The conference concluded with all participants committing to develop comprehensive State Action Plans, deepen industry partnerships, and leverage digital platforms like the Skill India Digital Hub for transparency, scale, and measurable outcomes. Kaushal Manthan was deemed not just a conference but a call for unified action to make skilling aspirational and impactful, paving the way for a Viksit Bharat@2047.
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Source: PIB
