Union Education Minister Launches 'Skills on Wheels' Initiative to Empower Rural Youth

In a significant move to empower rural youth, especially women, and equip them with essential digital skills, Union Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, inaugurated the groundbreaking ‘Skills on Wheels’ initiative. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the employability of rural youth and prepare them for the challenges of the future job market. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank.

Key Features of ‘Skills on Wheels’ Initiative:

Empowering 60,000 Rural Youth: Over a span of five years, the ‘Skills on Wheels’ initiative aims to empower and upskill a staggering 60,000 rural youth. The ultimate goal is to enhance the livelihoods of rural households by equipping their youth with the necessary skills.
Focus on Digital Skills: One of the core objectives of this initiative is to impart essential digital skills to rural youth, with a special focus on women. In an increasingly digital world, this training will make them job-ready and well-prepared for the future.
Partnership with NSDC and IndusInd Bank: The initiative is a result of a collaborative effort between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IndusInd Bank. This partnership ensures the necessary resources and expertise are brought together to make the initiative successful.

Mobilizing ‘Skills on Wheels’:

Customized Mobile Skill Training Unit: To reach the remotest corners of the country, a customized bus has been retrofitted with state-of-the-art tools and technology. This mobile unit will serve as the flagship of the ‘Skill India Mission’ and is aptly named ‘Skills on Wheels.’
Extensive Geographic Coverage: ‘Skills on Wheels’ will embark on a journey across aspirational and backward districts, covering a vast geographical area. This strategic approach is aimed at raising awareness at the grassroots level about free skill training programs, which can profoundly transform the lives of rural youth.
Changing Trajectories through Skill Training: The initiative recognizes the power of skill training in altering the life trajectories of youth. By offering robust training programs, it aspires to provide youth with the knowledge and skills they need to secure better livelihoods.

Closing the Skills Gap:

Industry-Relevant Skill Training: The core objective of the initiative is to enable a substantial number of youth to pursue industry-relevant skill training. This training will not only enhance their theoretical knowledge but also equip them with practical skills that are in demand in the job market.
Matching Passion and Skills: ‘Skills on Wheels’ seeks to bridge the gap between industry requirements and unemployed youth. It will accomplish this by helping candidates identify the right courses based on their academic background, aptitude, and skillset. This alignment ensures that individuals are well-suited for their chosen career paths.

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