From Skills to Self-Reliance: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Stresses on Employment-Oriented Training for Youth
“Link skill training directly to employment and entrepreneurship,” directs CM Sai during departmental review
Raipur, August 5, 2025/Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, while chairing a review meeting of the Skill Development Department at Mahanadi Bhawan, Nava Raipur, directed that skill training programs must be directly connected to employment and self-employment opportunities. He emphasized that the objective of the government is not merely to conduct trainings but to make the youth self-reliant and capable. To achieve this, continuous innovation and effective action plans by the department are crucial, he said.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of departmental schemes and discussed in detail the district-wise training achievements and allocated budget for the year 2025–26. He also sought detailed updates on the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 4.0, and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana.
Chief Minister Shri Sai took a special review of the training being imparted to surrendered Maoists under the ‘Niyad Nellanar’ scheme. It was informed in the meeting that so far, 549 youth have been trained, while 382 trainees are currently undergoing training at rehabilitation centres. Similarly, the training of youth belonging to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under the PM Janman Yojana was also reviewed.
Highlighting a recent reform, it was informed that from July 1, 2025, trainee attendance under the Mukhyamantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is being recorded using a face-based scanning system, which has brought about increased transparency and better monitoring.
The department also shared updates on MoUs signed with private institutions. Notably, partnerships with Nandi Foundation and Mahindra & Mahindra have been established to provide quality training to youth across the state.
A roadmap for the upcoming ‘Kaushal Tihar 2025’ was also presented. The event aims to raise awareness among youth about skill development. It will be held in two phases – district and state level – with competitions in two age groups: under 22 years and above 22 years. The competition will include 10 core trades: Automobile Technology, Bricklaying, Renewable Energy, Health and Social Care, Plumbing and Heating, Electrical Installations, Electronics Field Technician, Computer, Mobile Phone Technician, Graphic Design Technology/Desktop Publishing, and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning.
At the district level, two winners from each trade and age group will be selected to compete in the state-level competition. Winners at the state level will receive awards, trophies, and employment opportunities. They will also be groomed for India Skills 2025 regional and national competitions. Finalists from there will get the chance to represent India at the prestigious World Skills 2026 in Shanghai, China.
CM Sai emphasized that skill development schemes must be deeply integrated with the livelihood, self-reliance, and future building of the youth. He directed officials to continue making focused efforts in this direction.
The meeting was attended by Minister for Forest and Skill Development Shri Kedar Kashyap, Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Shri Subodh Kumar Singh, Secretary of Skill Development Department Shri S. Bharathidasan, and CEO of Chhattisgarh State Skill Development Authority (CSDA) Shri Vijay Dayaram K, along with other senior departmental officials.