Call for Streamlined Skill Development
Punjab Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Minister Aman Arora has urged the Centre to designate the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) as the single point of contact for all national skill development initiatives.
He made the suggestion while addressing the Regional Conference of Skill Ministers in Chandigarh on August 28. According to him, such a move would bring uniformity in monitoring and implementation across central schemes.
Arora also pressed for two key reforms: ensuring 3–5 years of continuity in training allocations and giving State Skill Missions the lead role in implementation. He argued that these measures would improve planning, expand opportunities, and produce stronger results for young people seeking employment.
Punjab’s Skilling Achievements
Highlighting Punjab’s progress in workforce training, Arora said the Bhagwant Mann-led government is committed to creating a futuristic, inclusive, and opportunity-rich skilling ecosystem.
In 2024, the state launched its own flagship program, Punjab Hunar Vikas Yojana, which has already trained more than 10,654 youth in various fields. The government has also partnered with leading organizations like IBM, Microsoft, and NASSCOM to provide free skill training.
Punjab has additionally focused on upgrading Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Centres of Excellence, promoting entrepreneurship, and integrating digital tools into training. The goal, Arora said, is to transform Punjab’s youth into a globally employable workforce aligned with future industry demands.
Flagship Schemes and Infrastructure
Arora reported that more than 2 lakh youth have been trained under various flagship schemes, including Deen Dayal Upadhaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDUGKY) and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
The state government also runs 14 Centres for Training and Employment of Punjab Youth, along with two Armed Forces Preparatory Institutes for boys and girls. A third institute is under development.
To further strengthen grassroots training, Punjab has established:
- 5 Multi-Skill Development Centres
- 3 Health Skill Development Centres
- 198 Rural Skill Centres
District-level offices ensure effective implementation and monitoring of these initiatives.
Building Skills for the Future
“Skilling is about building the future, not just jobs,” Arora emphasized, adding that Punjab is aligning its programs with emerging sectors. He stressed that skill development must prepare youth for self-employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods alongside traditional career pathways.
He also reiterated the state’s demand for greater autonomy in scheme implementation, arguing that local missions are better equipped to adapt programs to regional needs.
The minister concluded by assuring that Punjab’s Employment Generation and Skill Development Department remains fully committed to enhancing employability and supporting the aspirations of its youth.