The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Thursday said it has built one of the world’s largest skilling ecosystems over the past 12 years, training more than 1.64 crore youth under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and engaging over 56.08 lakh apprentices since 2016. Marking 12 years of Skills, Scale and Transformation, the ministry highlighted major milestones including the expansion of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) from 9,776 in 2014 to over 13,888 today. The government has also established Indian Institutes of Skills in Gandhinagar, Mumbai and Kanpur, while entrepreneurship programmes conducted through NIESBUD and IIE have trained more than 25 lakh beneficiaries.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary said skills have become a critical driver of economic transformation, productivity and employment generation. He said the government is focusing on industry partnerships, digital innovation, entrepreneurship support and international mobility pathways to prepare youth for future jobs and enterprises. The ministry’s digital push has gained momentum through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), which has registered over 1.5 crore candidates and offers more than 1,000 courses in 23 languages. Its SOAR programme for AI readiness has recorded over 4.5 lakh enrolments through 50-plus AI courses and qualifications.
In Guwahati, the expansion of apprenticeship programmes, digital skilling platforms and future-skill training in areas such as artificial intelligence and cyber security is expected to strengthen the region’s talent pool. Industry observers believe businesses across Assam can benefit from a larger availability of skilled workers, supporting growth in technology, services, manufacturing and entrepreneurship sectors. India has also improved its standing at World Skills competitions, moving from 29th position in 2015 to 13th in 2024. Looking ahead, the ministry has announced 30 Skill India International Centres and is expanding government-to-government mobility partn
