In a move aimed at strengthening India’s workforce pipeline and supporting future economic growth, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Thursday convened the first meeting of the Strategic Advisory and Reforms Taskforce for Holistic ITI Transformation (SARTHI) at VigyanBhawan in New Delhi. Chaired by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship JayantChaudhary, the meeting brought together ministers from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, along with senior officials and stakeholders from the skilling ecosystem. Established under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), SARTHI will serve as an apex advisory platform to drive evidence-based reforms and strengthen Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country.
Addressing the meeting, Chaudhary said skilling reforms must remain closely linked to emerging sectors, industry demand and learner aspirations. He said the objective is to build a dynamic and aspirational ITI ecosystem while ensuring that policy reforms translate into high-quality employment opportunities for young people. The discussions focused on improving institutional performance, quality assurance, assessment systems, technology adoption, industry engagement, entrepreneurship, governance reforms and expanding access to vocational education, particularly for women. Members also deliberated on strengthening pathways between education, skilling and employment.
In Guwahati, industry players across Assam and the Northeast have been increasingly seeking job-ready talent in manufacturing, services, logistics and emerging technology sectors. Stakeholders believe that stronger industry-linked ITIs and modernised vocational training can help address skill gaps, improve employability and support business expansion in the region’s growing economy.
