Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary led the final session of the Kaushal Manthan, a week-long event focused on skill development reforms. Discussions centred on enhancing quality through outcome-based grading for ITIs and strengthening Sector Skill Councils. The session concluded with the establishment of Skill Resolutions for 2026, which will guide future policy actions and programme implementations.
Emphasis was placed on aligning reforms with national priorities, focusing on outcomes, and improving collaboration with state governments and industries. The discussions underscored the importance of monitoring training quality, assessments, and certifications. An official statement highlighted these priorities as crucial for the next phase of reforms.
Focus on Institutional Mechanisms
A significant theme was the enhancement of institutional mechanisms while simplifying systems. Proposed measures include implementing outcome-based grading for ITIs to boost quality and delegating powers to regional and institutional levels to facilitate business operations. These steps aim to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
The reorganisation and strengthening of Sector Skill Councils were also discussed. Regular reviews of these councils are deemed necessary to ensure they remain effective. Continuous curriculum updates in response to technological advancements and industry demands were highlighted as essential for maintaining relevance in training programmes.
Modernising Curriculum and Industry Collaboration
Modernising the curriculum and strengthening industry collaboration were identified as key enablers for a resilient skilling ecosystem. Ensuring flexibility and adaptability in training design is crucial for meeting diverse learner needs. The discussions stressed the importance of co-creating with industries to enhance training relevance.
The creation of clear pathways across skill levels was emphasised, catering to school students, dropouts, working professionals, and lifelong learners. This approach is supported by credit frameworks and mobility across programmes, ensuring seamless transitions between different stages of learning.
The focus on these reforms aims to build a robust skilling ecosystem that can adapt to changing industry requirements. By prioritising outcome-based approaches and enhancing collaboration, the initiatives seek to improve the overall quality and effectiveness of skill development programmes in India.
With inputs from PTI
