‘Mahadrishti’ Project Gets Approval from the Union Ministry of Finance: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha

Asian Development Bank to provide financial assistance of around ₹4,000 crore

Mumbai, February 2026 :The ambitious ‘Mahadrishti’ project of the Skill Development Department has received approval from the screening committee of the Union Ministry of Finance, clearing the way for financial assistance of around ₹4,000 crore from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This development will enable Maharashtra to make a significant leap in skill development while ensuring that socially and economically weaker sections also benefit, said Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

Expressing satisfaction over the department’s achievement, Minister Lodha said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who has a long-term vision for development, the Skill Development Department has been working towards making youth employable, creating a skilled workforce for industries, and empowering people through quality skill training. With the financial support from the Asian Development Bank, skill training in rural and remote areas will now become more advanced and high-quality. Special provisions will also be made for women, helping achieve the goal of women’s empowerment.

All-round development through Daksh, PM Setu and Mahadrishti projects

Based on the recommendations of the Maharashtra Economic Development Council, the state’s Skill Development Department had submitted a detailed report to the Centre through the Asian Development Bank, with support from MITRA, focusing on industrial training, infrastructure development of training institutes, and improvement in training quality. This proposal has now been approved by the central screening committee.

Under the Mahadrishti project, skill training aligned with industry requirements will be provided at both national and international levels. On one hand, the Daksh project has received support from the World Bank, and on the other, Maharashtra will also benefit from the PM Setu scheme. The Mahadrishti project will be aligned with both these initiatives, and sections that were left out earlier will be included under Mahadrishti. As a result, funds from all these projects will be used in a planned and coordinated manner to achieve the objectives of skill development.

Boost to skill ecosystem and employment generation

Through various skill training programmes, technology-driven curricula, and industry-linked initiatives, the Skill Development Department has already opened up new employment opportunities for lakhs of students across the state. The collaboration with the Asian Development Bank will further strengthen these efforts.

Modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), reconstruction of buildings, provision of advanced training equipment and machinery, industry-oriented training programmes, and implementation of new skill courses will significantly enhance students’ capabilities. This will create large-scale employment opportunities both within the country and internationally. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for this initiative will be prepared shortly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has placed strong emphasis on skill development across the country, and the approval granted to Maharashtra’s Mahadrishti project reflects this focus. Making use of this opportunity, Maharashtra will certainly contribute to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, Minister Lodha said, adding that the state government remains firmly committed to empowering youth with strong skills and making Maharashtra more employment-oriented.