The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Wednesday announced a series of policy initiatives, including a proposed ₹530-crore Skills Outcomes Fund, as part of its efforts to strengthen India’s workforce and improve industry-aligned skilling during the World Youth Skills Day 2026 celebrations at KaushalBhawan in New Delhi. Addressing the event, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary said India must prepare its youth not only for today’s jobs but also for future opportunities through continuous learning, innovation and stronger industry partnerships. He launched the IndiaSkills Competition 2026–27 Guidelines, opening registrations across 63 skill categories, and inaugurated the WorldSkills India Champions Club to mentor future competitors.
The Ministry also released guidelines for establishing Centres of Excellence under Skill India, announced a PMKVY programme to train 1.3 lakh multi-skilled caregivers as part of the Union Budget target of 1.5 lakh professionals, and extended the NAPS apprenticeship pilot project in the North Eastern Region to boost workplace-based learning. To promote inclusive growth, MSDE constituted a Committee on Gender Mainstreaming and announced a Best Practices Compendium on Skilling and Employment for Women, with entries opening on July 20.
Two MoUs were signed to operationalise the proposed Skills Outcomes Fund, which will combine government, CSR and philanthropic capital to support more than two lakh youth, with funding linked to verified outcomes such as certification, placement and retention. India also honoured its medal winners from the Global Skills Challenge Australia 2026 and Taipei Capital Cup 2026, while unveiling the design of the proposed “Skilled India, Empowered India – A Collective Growth Story” sculpture and felicitating women trainees from the ChaudharyAjit Singh Centre of Excellence for Design and Fashion Technology in Uttar Pradesh.
