CM outlines vision for skill development, employment in Bastar

JAGDALPUR,CG(INDIA): Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday outlined the state government’s vision for skill development and employment generation in Bastar, as part of the "Viksit Bastar" (Developed Bastar) initiative. Speaking on the importance of equipping youth with employable skills, the Chief Minister emphasized that the creation of the Ministry of Skill Development during his tenure as a Member of Parliament was a pivotal step in shaping the future of the country's youth.

Sai lauded the ongoing skill development efforts in Bastar, stressing that skill enhancement is not confined to a single sector. "Opportunities exist across various fields such as language training, overseas employment, handicrafts, agriculture, food processing, tourism, construction, and technology," he said.

Highlighting the region’s transition towards peace, the Chief Minister acknowledged that the next big challenge is to provide employment to the youth. “We are committed to not just developing skills but also ensuring self-reliance among locals through the utilization of regional resources,” he said. “Our youth will not only be self-sufficient but will also showcase their skills across the country and globally.”

Several government schemes are being implemented in Bastar to promote skill development and employment, including the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), PM Vishwakarma Yojana, and the Nayed Nellanar Yojana. These schemes especially prioritize training for youth affected by Naxalism.

Under the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Bastar division currently offers 85 registered courses. Training and certification processes are conducted online. All districts in the division have residential training facilities, and there are 64 Vocational Training Providers (VTPs) operating in the region. So far, 90,273 youth have been trained, out of which 39,137 have secured employment. Additionally, 32 Skill Development Centers have been established, with plans to train 4,915 youth and create 5,875 employment opportunities through 456 employers in the 2025–26 financial year. Key partnerships have been signed with organizations such as Mahindra & Mahindra, Nandi Foundation, MSDC International, and NITI Aayog.

In the fiscal year 2024–25, 64% of the target under the PMKVY was achieved. Furthermore, 6,123 individuals were trained under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.

Under the Nayed Nellanar Yojana, 457 youth from 95 villages across 24 camps in Bastar have already received skill training. A survey covering 5,598 youth has been completed to identify training needs. Out of these, 222 individuals have completed training and 62 are currently undergoing it.