Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has significantly expanded its skill development initiatives by increasing the department’s budget ninefold to ₹3,310 crore and introducing new digital platforms aimed at improving employment opportunities for youth.
The announcement was made during the state-level celebration of World Youth Skills Day 2026 organised by the Department of Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the skill development exhibition, released the ‘Kaushalam’ booklet, reviewed a short film highlighting departmental achievements, and felicitated 11 trained youth who became self-reliant through skill training, employment, and entrepreneurship programmes.
Skill Development is Key to Self-Reliant Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said skill development is playing an important role in building an Aatmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh by empowering young people with employment-oriented training.
He emphasised that skill is not only a means of getting a job but also a pathway towards entrepreneurship, confidence, and nation-building.
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to ensuring that the future of youth remains secure through better training opportunities, employment support, and industry partnerships.
UP Skill Development Budget Increased Nine Times to ₹3,310 Crore
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Kapil Dev Agarwal said the Uttar Pradesh government has increased the department’s budget ninefold to ₹3,310 crore.
He highlighted that the state has made major progress in connecting youth with skill-based opportunities through upgraded training infrastructure and industry collaboration.
20 Lakh Youth Trained in Nine Years, 12.5 Lakh Receive Employment
The minister informed that in the last nine years:
- More than 20 lakh youth have received skill training.
- Around 12.5 lakh trained youth have secured employment.
- More than 14 lakh youth have been placed through UPSDM initiatives.
- Over 60 lakh employment opportunities have been generated in Uttar Pradesh in the last eight years.
The state has also set an ambitious target of providing training to 10 lakh youth in 2026-27.
225 ITIs Upgraded with New Technologies
To prepare youth for future industries, the Uttar Pradesh government has upgraded 225 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with modern technologies.
Through a CSR partnership worth ₹7,000 crore with Tata Group, ITIs are being equipped with advanced training facilities.
The upgraded training programmes include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Robotics.
- Internet of Things (IoT).
- Electric Vehicles.
- 3D Printing.
- Advanced CNC technology.
- Automation.
- Digital manufacturing.
The state also benefits from the PM SETU initiative, under which the Government of India has allocated a budget of ₹50,000 crore for skill development and infrastructure improvement.
New Digital Platforms to Connect Youth with Jobs
The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced multiple digital initiatives to make skill training and employment services more accessible.
These include:
- Kaushal Disha Online Portal
- Kaushal Darpan
- Kaushal Drishti
- Kaushal Call Centre
- 24-hour Kaushal Dost Chatbot
A new ‘Blue Dot’ software platform has also been developed where trained youth can upload their resumes. Companies will be able to access candidate profiles and directly contact suitable applicants.
Industry Partnerships for Future-Ready Skills
Under the FLEX system, the department has signed agreements with leading companies, including Raymond and Tata, to provide specialised training aligned with industry requirements.
In the coming five years, special focus will be given to skill development in emerging sectors such as:
- Semiconductor technology.
- Green energy.
- Electric mobility.
- Drone technology.
- Defence manufacturing.
- Digital economy.
MSME Mapping and Demand-Based Training Expansion
The government has mapped nearly 94 lakh MSME units across Uttar Pradesh to understand industry requirements and provide demand-based training to youth.
The state currently has:
- More than 330 government ITIs.
- Around 3,000 private ITIs.
Together, these institutions train approximately 3.5 to 4 lakh students every year.
Skill Training Extended to Students and Underprivileged Communities
Under Project Praveen, skill training is being provided to students from Classes 9 to 12 and children studying in Atal Residential Schools.
The government has also launched special employment campaigns under the Zero Poverty Scheme for:
- Youth from economically weaker families.
- Women.
- Persons with disabilities.
These initiatives aim to provide equal opportunities and promote inclusive economic growth.
CM Yogi Felicitates 11 Successful Youth
During the World Youth Skills Day event, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured 11 youth who achieved employment and entrepreneurship success after receiving skill training.
The awardees included:
- Sheetal Kumari.
- Neha from Hamirpur.
- Fardeen Khan from Ghazipur.
- Mohammad Bilal from Lucknow.
- Rajrani from Bareilly.
- Vartika Gupta from ITOT Lucknow.
- Arjun Pal from Lucknow.
- Sangeeta Verma from Gautam Buddh Nagar.
- Shivang Verma from Lucknow.
- Rajeev Vishwakarma from Chandauli.
- Vineeta from Sultanpur.
‘Kaushalam’ Booklet Showcases Skill Development Achievements
The state government also released the ‘Kaushalam’ booklet, highlighting the achievements of the central and state governments in skill development over the past 12 years.
The booklet documents major initiatives, welfare programmes, and skill development achievements implemented across Uttar Pradesh.
UP’s Vision for a Skilled and Self-Reliant Workforce
The Uttar Pradesh government said its skill development strategy aims to create a workforce equipped with modern technologies and industry-relevant capabilities.
With increased investment, digital innovations, and stronger industry partnerships, the state is focusing on transforming youth into skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and contributors to economic growth.
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