Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has directed officials to develop skill and language training programmes for the state’s youth based on employment opportunities and skilled manpower requirements in foreign countries.
The directions were issued during a meeting with India’s representatives in Jamaica, Ethiopia and Zambia, where discussions focused on overseas employment prospects, demand for skilled workers and sectors that could offer opportunities to young people from Uttarakhand.
Training to Match Overseas Job Demand
Dhami directed officials to regularly coordinate with Indian missions abroad to obtain updated information about sectors requiring skilled manpower and available employment opportunities.
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The state will assess manpower requirements in different countries and prepare training programmes accordingly.
The approach will include:
- Identifying sectors with demand for skilled workers in different countries.
- Designing training programmes according to specific overseas job requirements.
- Providing relevant foreign-language training where necessary.
- Sharing information about overseas employment opportunities with eligible youth.
- Strengthening coordination with Indian diplomatic missions.
The Chief Minister said Uttarakhand’s youth can access international employment opportunities when their skills are aligned with the requirements of overseas markets.
Opportunities Identified in Jamaica, Ethiopia and Zambia
The meeting also brought out potential employment areas in the three countries.
Jamaica: High Commissioner Mayank Joshi highlighted opportunities in tourism, healthcare and agriculture, including demand for trained nursing personnel.
Zambia: High Commissioner Alok Ranjan Jha pointed to requirements for skilled manpower, particularly in education and agriculture, and offered to provide details of sectors requiring skilled personnel.
Ethiopia: Ambassador Devesh Uttam identified opportunities in management and logistics, along with potential areas in pharmaceuticals and floriculture.
Uttarakhand Already Has an Overseas Placement Framework
The state’s Department of Skill Development and Employment already operates an Overseas Placement Cell, which facilitates skill development and overseas employment opportunities for Uttarakhand youth.
The department’s existing framework covers sectors such as nursing, elderly care and hospitality, with opportunities previously facilitated in countries including Japan, Germany and the UK.
Uttarakhand has also introduced the Mukhya Mantri Kaushal Unnyan Evam Vaishvik Rozgar Yojana, under which eligible candidates can receive support for overseas skilling and placement programmes. The scheme provides a skilling incentive and access to loans with interest subvention, along with post-placement support and grievance redressal.
Focus on Skills Linked to Employment
The Department of Skill Development and Employment states that its broader objective is to improve youth employability through industry-relevant training and connect job seekers with employment opportunities. Its functions include skill development, employment services, vocational training and industry linkages.
The latest directions seek to extend this employment-linked approach to overseas markets by identifying international demand first and then aligning training and language preparation with those requirements.
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