Skilled and Empowered Youth at the Heart of PM Modi’s Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047: Jayant Chaudhary

States like Uttar Pradesh shaping youth through ‘Skill India’ initiatives

New Delhi/Lucknow – Ten years ago, on this day, a new dawn of opportunity rose for India’s youth as Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the transformative ‘Skill India Mission’ on July 15, 2015. More than just a drive for employment, this mission envisioned a future rooted in self-reliance, self-respect, and self-confidence. It was clear from the outset that the Indian youth would not be defined by degrees alone—but by hands-on skills that shape both careers and the nation.

Among the leading states driving this transformation is Uttar Pradesh, which has provided training to millions of youth, linking them to employment and self-employment opportunities. With the establishment of skill centers in rural and backward areas, job fairs, and industry-aligned curriculums, UP’s youth are fast moving toward economic independence.

Reflecting on the journey and impact of the Skill India Mission, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, stated:

“India’s greatest asset is its youth. Recognizing this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always placed young Indians at the center of the country’s economic, educational, and technological vision. Under Skill India initiatives, millions of youth have been trained in diverse industry-relevant sectors such as construction, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and automotive. These programs have effectively bridged the gap between education and employment, empowering youth with practical, job-ready skills. As we march toward Viksit Bharat 2047, this confident and skilled generation will be the true architects of that dream. I am confident that the ministry’s sustained and committed efforts will leave a lasting and positive impact on India’s skill development landscape.”

Over the past decade, India’s technical education infrastructure has seen a significant transformation. The number of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country has grown from about 10,000 to 14,615, while student enrollment has increased from 950,000 to over 1.4 million. Institutions like the Indian Institutes of Skills are now providing world-class training, taking Indian youth to new heights.

When PM Modi introduced the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, Skill India Mission emerged as its backbone. It is a vision to make India the ‘Skill Capital of the World’—and the journey of the last ten years shows the country is well on its way. This mission is not just about numbers or policies—it is about real stories: the young woman running her household with a sewing machine, or the once unemployed man now working as a supervisor at a construction firm. It is the story of every Indian who, with the power of skill, has transformed not just their own destiny but also given India a new identity.

Indeed, what began as a dream a decade ago is now in full bloom. July 15, 2025, is not just a date—it is a celebration of millions of dreams, hard work, and aspirations that Skill India has made a reality. The journey continues, growing deeper and wider with every new skill, showcasing to the world that skill is India’s true identity.