Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has initiated a transformative agenda for India’s skill development landscape, following a rigorous evaluation of the Directorate General of Training (DGT) and its affiliated institutions. The review session, which included Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs), and related bodies like the National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) and Central Staff Training and Research Institute (CSTARI), highlighted the need for strategic upgrades to meet modern industry demands.
Chaudhary praised the DGT’s expansion efforts, adding over 5000 institutions in the past decade, but stressed the imperative for revitalization. He proposed a shift towards blended learning models at ITIs and NSTIs and advocated for deeper industry collaboration through flexible Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a Dual System of Training.The minister emphasized the critical role of ITIs and NSTIs in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth. He urged for infrastructure modernization, curriculum updates, and specialized training programs aligned with emerging sectors to enhance employability.
Chaudhary’s vision includes leveraging digital platforms via the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) to optimize training effectiveness and expand access. He concluded with a call for unified efforts from government bodies, industries, and educational institutions to realize a robust skill development ecosystem capable of meeting global standards.