In a momentous development, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras in Maharashtra via a video conferencing event. These Kendras have been strategically distributed across 34 rural districts of Maharashtra and are envisioned to serve as hubs for imparting skill development training programs spanning various sectors. The primary objective of this endeavor is to create ample employment opportunities for the rural youth.

Commencing his address on the auspicious 5th day of Navratra, dedicated to the worship of Skanda Mata, the Prime Minister reflected on the profound aspirations of mothers to witness their children’s pursuit of happiness and success. He underscored that this aspiration can only be realized through education and the acquisition of practical skills.

The inauguration of 511 Pramod Mahajan Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras represents a significant leap forward in the domain of skill development. The Prime Minister’s remarks accentuated the profound significance of this occasion and the vast potential it holds for equipping countless young individuals with the expertise required to secure a promising future.

The Prime Minister drew inspiration from the remarkable contributions of Savitri Bai Phule, who fearlessly broke down societal barriers to champion women’s education. He reiterated the pivotal role of knowledge and proficiency in driving society toward positive transformation, emphasizing the enduring influence of Savitri Bai Phule in shaping the government’s strong emphasis on educating and training women. The Prime Minister highlighted the impact of self-help groups, known as ‘Swayam Sahayata Samuh,’ which have successfully provided training to over 3 crore women as part of the Women Empowerment program. He further acknowledged the initiative to train women in utilizing drones for applications in agriculture and other sectors, opening up new avenues for skill development and economic empowerment.

In addressing professions deeply ingrained in village life, the Prime Minister introduced the PM Vishwakarma Yojana. This initiative offers support to traditional occupations such as barbering, carpentry, laundering, goldsmithing, and ironworking. Beneficiaries receive training, modern equipment, and financial assistance to enhance their professions. The government has allocated a substantial budget of 13,000 crore rupees for this program, with Maharashtra, boasting over 500 skill centers, set to lead this transformative endeavor.

In an encouraging message to the trainees, the Prime Minister assured them that they have embarked on the right path. He reiterated the significant contributions they can make to their families and the nation as a whole through their newly acquired skills. Drawing from his personal experience of visiting a skill development center in Singapore at the request of the Singaporean Prime Minister, the Prime Minister recounted the pride that the Singaporean Prime Minister took in skill development activities that had gained widespread social acceptance. He emphasized society’s responsibility to acknowledge and respect the dignity of labor, recognizing the profound importance of skilled work.

The event witnessed the presence of distinguished figures such as Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, and Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Ajit Pawar.

The establishment of the Grameen Kaushalya Vikas Kendras is poised to assume a pivotal role in driving skill development programs across various sectors with the ultimate goal of generating employment opportunities for rural youth. Each Kendra is tasked with training approximately 100 young individuals in a minimum of two vocational courses. The training programs will be facilitated by empaneled industry partners and agencies associated with the National Skill Development Council. This initiative reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to bolstering economic growth through enhanced skill development and creating abundant employment opportunities for the youth, ultimately fostering a more competent and skilled workforce.