India recognised as powerhouse of skilled talent – Narendra Modi
This is due to the expertise and scale of its young workforce: PM
Kaushal
Deekshant Samaroh 2024 – Skill Convocation Ceremony Celebrates the Achievements
of Over 8 Lakh Skilled Graduates Nationwide
Prime Minister
Narendra Modi, today congratulated the toppers of the Craftsmen Training Scheme
(CTS) and Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) from ITIs and NSTIs across
the country at the annual Kaushal
Deekshant Samaroh 2024, through a written message that was shared
with all. Organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(MSDE), the event celebrated the accomplishments of over 8 lakh graduates
nationwide, highlighting their dedication to skill excellence.
Held simultaneously at more than 15,000 Industrial
Training Institutes (ITIs) and 33 National Skills Development Institutes
(NSTIs), the event marked a significant milestone for India’s skilling
ecosystem. The Directorate General of Training (DGT), under MSDE, organised the
central ceremony at Kaushal Bhawan Auditorium in New Delhi, graced by Jayant
Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill
Development & Entrepreneurship, and Minister of State, Ministry of
Education, Govt of India, alongside key stakeholders, and live-streamed to
institutes nationwide with more than 19 lakh students.
In his message to the graduates, Prime Minister Narendra
Modi highlighted that the Kaushal
Deekshant Samaroh, organized by the Directorate General of Training
under MSDE, is a unique event, bringing together students from ITIs, NSTIs,
ITOTs, and various other institutions. Extending his best wishes to the
graduates, the Prime Minister described the ceremony as a significant
milestone—not just as a celebration of completing training, but as the
beginning of a new chapter in their lives. He emphasized that the skills
acquired by these young professionals have the potential to drive India’s
development forward and strengthen the nation’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat
(self-reliant India).
The Prime Minister further emphasised the vital role of
skilled youth as India's greatest strength and the essential contributors to
the nation’s growth. He highlighted how India
is increasingly recognized globally as a powerhouse of skilled talent due to
the expertise and scale of its young workforce. The Prime
Minister assured that with India’s policies centered on empowering youth, MSDE
is committed to providing future-ready, globally relevant skill training. He
expressed optimism that, through enhanced internship opportunities, technical
education upgrades, and valuable international partnerships, India’s young
professionals will make a lasting impact on the global workforce and play a
critical role in India’s journey to becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Under the
long-term skilling ecosystem, the Directorate
General of Training (DGT) conducted the All India Trade Test (AITT) for the
Academic session 2023-24 (1-year trades) and 2022-24 (2-year trades) under the
Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS). These were held in ITIs during July-August
2024 and the result was declared in September 2024. The examination was
conducted for more than 19 Lakh students in 152 trades and the pass percentage
is 87.34%.
Similarly, for the Instructors
trained under the Craft Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) which is being
implemented in the NSTIs and Institutes for Training of Trainers (IToTs) across
the country, 9292 students appeared for the final examination and 7873 passed.
The pass percentage for the same was 84.73%.
This time, 48 students of CTS and CITS under DGT, MSDE
were felicitated during the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, held at Kaushal Bhawan
in New Delhi. These include All India Toppers of CTS & CITS, Trade Toppers
of Top 10 Trades of CTS and top 5 trades under CITS, Female Toppers for Hard
Engineering Trades, Toppers amongst Divyangjan, Toppers of the Flexi-MoU Scheme
under CTS and Toppers of New Age Courses.
The Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh – Skill
Convocation ceremony, held across 15000+ ITIs and NSTIs across the country, was
enhanced by the enthusiastic participation of Members of Parliament (MPs) and
Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), attending ceremonies in their
constituencies to congratulate students on their accomplishments. Speaking
about this effort, Jayant Chaudhary remarked, “The presence of MPs and MLAs at
local ceremonies symbolises our collective commitment to fostering skill
development in every corner of India. Such participation not only amplifies the
significance of this convocation but also inspires our youth to view skilling
as a path to national growth and self-reliance.”
In his address, Jayant
Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, praised the dedication and hard work of the students,
stating, “India’s skill
ecosystem spans a vast network of 15,000 ITIs that have upheld their
credibility over the years. As industry demands evolve, our ITI network must
continually adapt and stay resilient to fulfill its purpose. Today marks a
significant step toward making skills aspirational for all. Through the
collaborative efforts of our directorates and state governments, we have
established a robust assessment system empowering student to shape their future
vision. The outstanding achievements of women in various exams and assessments
reflect the encouraging progress of our nation. This year, for the first time
in Union Budget history, ITI improvement has been prioritized, aligning this
initiative closely with the government’s transformative vision for India.”
Jayant
Chaudhary emphasised the
importance of aligning ITIs with local industry needs, stating, “Our ITIs
should cater to the specific requirements of local industries, ensuring that
skill development is relevant and impactful. I encourage companies, as well as
MPs and MLAs, to take a personal interest in the upgradation of these
institutions. Their involvement will be instrumental in driving forward our
goal of a skilled and industry-ready workforce across all regions.”
Preethi Pal, the distinguished young para-athlete from
Meerut, U.P., who recently clinched two bronze medals at the Paralympics,
served as the guest of honor. She recounted the adversities and challenges she
has encountered on her journey, inspiring students to remain steadfast in their
pursuit of goals despite any obstacles. During the event, medalists from the
World Skill Competition 2024 also shared their personal journeys, highlighting
how India is establishing its presence on the global skilling stage.
The event also highlighted MSDE’s latest initiatives
aimed at aligning the skilling framework with industry demands and emerging
technologies. As part of these initiatives, MSDE
launched a foundational module on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all ITI
students. Developed by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), the
7.5-hour curriculum introduces students to core AI concepts, preparing them for
technology-driven careers. The Employability Skills (ES) Facilitator Manual for
trainers was also unveiled, enabling instructors to provide structured,
impactful lessons on essential employability skills through simplified and
interactive methods.
Another significant announcement was the introduction of new Craft Instructor
Training Scheme (CITS) learning materials. Developed in-house by the trainers of NSTIs and the
National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) under DGT, these comprehensive CITS resources cover courses such as Fitter, Electrician, Electronics
Mechanic, Welder, and Computer Software Applications, aligning with industry
standards at NSQF Level 5. These materials ensure that instructors gain both
technical knowledge and effective pedagogical skills to elevate the learning
experience and career-readiness of vocational trainees across the country.
The Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh celebrates not just the
hard work of the graduates but the remarkable commitment of educators,
trainers, and policymakers who work together to empower India’s skilled
workforce. Through events like this, MSDE aims to inspire the youth of India to
harness their skills for a prosperous and self-reliant future, reinforcing the
vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.