Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated a key workshop in Raipur on Friday under the NITI-State Support Mission, focusing on expanding skill development, employment, and livelihood opportunities for youth, women, and tribal communities. The event marked a pivotal moment in the state’s ongoing efforts to empower underrepresented groups as part of its goal to become a developed state by 2047.
Speaking at the event, CM Sai emphasized the importance of aligning skill training with the changing needs of the nation: “India is a young country. If our youth receive training that matches their interests and capabilities, we can accelerate the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”
Key MoUs Signed to Boost Skilling and Industry Linkages
On the occasion, the Department of Skill Development, Technical Education, and Higher Education signed four significant Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at upskilling youth and making them industry-ready:
- Chhattisgarh Skill Development Authority & Naandi Foundation – Targeting socially and economically disadvantaged youth to boost employability and livelihood security.
- Skill Development Authority & Mahindra & Mahindra – Short-term tractor mechanic training in livelihood colleges in Dantewada, Balrampur, and Kondagaon, to be facilitated by the State Project Livelihood College Society, Raipur.
- Department of Higher Education & NASSCOM – Introducing modern tech courses in colleges to transition students from job-seekers to job-creators.
- Higher Education Department & Naandi Foundation (Hyderabad) – Employment-oriented training for college students to foster skilled, self-reliant professionals.
CM Sai Highlights Localized Skilling for Rural Employment
CM Sai noted that sectors like plumbing, electrical work, and mechanical repair face a shortfall of skilled professionals in rural areas. To address this, the government is rolling out extensive training programs. He also stressed the value-addition of forest produce such as mahua, tamarind, and sal to enhance tribal livelihoods.
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“Our aim is to link skills with employment, especially in rural Chhattisgarh. Through industry-specific training, particularly in areas like agriculture, horticulture, and handicrafts, we are generating new livelihood pathways,” he said.
He also announced that Chhattisgarh is actively working with Mahindra & Mahindra to introduce modern tractor manufacturing techniques to tribal youth in Bastar and Surguja—regions long affected by insurgency but now seeing new development momentum.
Deputy CM Sharma Announces e-Hub, Focus on Tribal Talent
Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma shared plans to launch specialized skilling programs for tribal youth in Bastar and Surguja, along with new women-centric entrepreneurship training centres. He revealed that several large corporations are partnering with the state to boost investments and job opportunities.
“Linking skills with industry is critical. When we connect both, we can unlock vast employment potential,” Sharma said. He also mentioned an upcoming e-Hub platform where innovative youth will receive support for prototyping, funding, and marketing.
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S. Bharathi Dasan, Secretary of Skill Development and Technical Education, reported that nearly 4.83 lakh youth have been trained under the Chief Minister Skill Development Scheme since 2013. Of them, 2.66 lakh have already secured employment, reflecting the program’s growing impact.
NITI Aayog Commends Tribal-Focused Approach
Dr. Sonia Pant, Program Director at NITI Aayog, lauded Chhattisgarh’s development-centric approach and emphasized the importance of forest-based livelihood programs for tribal upliftment. She affirmed that NITI Aayog would continue to support the integration of tribal youth in state-led innovation and skilling initiatives.
The workshop saw the presence of CM Secretary Rahul Bhagat, CEO of Skill Development & Employment Vijay Dayaram K., and a large gathering of youth, women, tribal representatives, and departmental officials.
