Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reiterated that skilled youth are the backbone of a self-reliant India, and emphasized the government’s firm commitment to empowering them through training, technology, and employment. Speaking at the World Youth Skills Day celebrations held at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, the CM inaugurated a two-day Skill Fair and Exhibition showcasing the talents of young trainees from all 75 districts of the state.
Themed “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills”, the event highlighted the importance of equipping India’s youth with future-ready tools such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drone tech, and digital literacy, alongside traditional trades.
“UP, with over 56% of its 25 crore population in the working age group, is full of potential. By aligning our youth’s talent with the needs of the market, we are creating the foundation for a self-reliant India,” said CM Yogi.
Tech-Driven Empowerment & Skilling Initiatives
CM Yogi underscored the government’s efforts to digitally empower the youth:
- Distribution of 2 crore smartphones and tablets to students; 50 lakh already distributed
- 150 government ITIs upgraded in partnership with Tata Technologies
- Approximately 400 govt and 3,000 private ITIs operational in the state
- Scholarships and incentives provided for students in private institutes
He also stressed that UP’s improving law and order, coupled with investor-friendly policies, has attracted ₹15 lakh crore in investments over the past 8 years, generating lakhs of new jobs.
Support for Traditional Skills
The CM spotlighted two flagship schemes:
- One District One Product (ODOP): Over 1.5 crore people have gained employment
- Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana: More than 1 lakh artisans trained and equipped with toolkits
“These schemes have revived traditional industries and brought dignity and income to craftsmen and artisans, strengthening the rural economy,” he added.
Honouring Talent and Industry
As part of the event, CM Yogi:
- Presented the ‘Youth Icon’ Award to 15 outstanding youths
- Handed over appointment letters to 11 candidates
- Flagged off 5 Skill Chariots to promote skilling awareness across the state
- Honoured select industry leaders with the ‘Industry Ambassador’ Award
- Witnessed the signing of an MoU with Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT), Prayagraj, appointing it as a knowledge partner to enhance skilling outcomes
Leaders in Attendance
The event was graced by several top dignitaries including:
- Kapil Dev Agarwal – Minister for Vocational Education and Skill Development
- Rakesh Sachan – MSME Minister
- Surya Pratap Shahi – Agriculture Minister
- Mannu Kori – Minister of State for Labour
- Manoj Kumar Singh – Chief Secretary
