CM Emphasizes Skill Development for Youth Empowerment, Allocates Rs. 25 Crore for HPKVN Infrastructure.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today underscored the importance of skill development in boosting employment and self-employment opportunities for the youth of Himachal Pradesh. During a meeting with the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN), the Chief Minister called for the creation of training programs that are in line with market demands, aimed at enhancing employability and fostering small-scale business ventures.
In a major boost to the state’s skill development infrastructure, CM Sukhu announced an allocation of Rs. 25 crore for the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN) to expedite the completion of eight ongoing buildings. The Chief Minister set a target for the project’s completion by June 2025, emphasizing that the new infrastructure must be used to its fullest potential. He also directed that the nearby HPKVN buildings be handed over to the Department of Technical Education for youth training purposes, further enhancing opportunities for skill enhancement across the state.
The government’s efforts to upgrade vocational training facilities were also highlighted. The HPKVN has funded the modernization of equipment in 67 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across Himachal Pradesh, benefiting thousands of students pursuing technical and vocational courses.
Since January 2023, a total of 38,713 youth have enrolled in various HPKVN schemes and training programs. Of these, 38,572 have successfully received training certificates, and 8,630 have secured employment through placement assistance. Recognizing the need to enhance organizational efficiency, CM Sukhu suggested that administrative control of HPKVN could potentially be transferred to the Director of Technical Education.
The Chief Minister was joined in the meeting by Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, and several senior officials, including Managing Director of HPKVN Gandharva Rathore.
The CM’s focus on skill development is part of the state government’s broader strategy to equip the youth with the necessary tools to succeed in a competitive job market and empower them to pursue entrepreneurial ventures.
