The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) on Thursday marked twelve years of Skills, Scale and Transformation, highlighting the growth of one of the world’s largest skilling ecosystems and its contribution to India’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. The ministry said it has built a comprehensive framework integrating vocational education, industry-led training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship development, digital skilling and international workforce mobility. Over the past decade, the number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) has increased from 9,776 in 2014 to more than 13,888 across the country. More than 56.08 lakh apprentices have been engaged since 2016, while over 1.64 crore youth have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, said skills have emerged as a key driver of opportunity, productivity and economic transformation. He said the ministry is preparing India’s youth for emerging jobs through stronger industry partnerships, digital innovation, entrepreneurship support and global mobility pathways.The ministry has also strengthened entrepreneurship development, with over 25 lakh beneficiaries trained under Entrepreneurship Development Programmes. The Skill India Digital Hub has registered more than 1.5 crore candidates and offers over 1,000 courses in 23 languages. Programmes focused on artificial intelligence have recorded over 4.5 lakh enrolments.
In Guwahati, industry stakeholders and training institutions in Assam have increasingly focused on skill development in sectors such as information technology, logistics, tourism and services. Experts believe the expansion of digital skilling platforms and apprenticeship opportunities could help improve employability among youth in the region and support local businesses seeking a skilled workforce.India’s global skills profile has also improved, with its ranking at WorldSkills competitions rising from 29th in 2015 to 13th in 2024. The ministry has further announced 30 Skill India International Centres and is expanding international workforce mobility initiatives. Going forward, the ministry said it will continue to focus on quality training, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship and future-ready skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber security.