– Ronita Torcato 

With the aim of boosting youth employability, the Maharashtra government has launched an initiative that integrates education with vocational skill training under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The project will roll out 100 “Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Skill Training Centres” in the first phase, with a long-term goal to scale up to 1,000 centres.

38 employment-oriented courses have been approved across sectors like logistics, retail, and home management.

A maximum of 30 students will be trained per batch.

The program mandates at least three months of employment for graduates who complete the training in coordination with local industries.

The project is being implemented through the Maharashtra State Skill Development Centre. Technical evaluation and preliminary scrutiny of the proposals received for various centres have been completed and presentations of eligible institutions have been organised.

According to skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha the scheme will include Mumbai city and suburbs, where efforts are underway to secure space for the centres through the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Lodha said a formal request has been made to Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide to facilitate the space.

The minister also said that the centres will be set up in slum areas and will focus on imparting skills relevant to urban job markets.

Government-sponsored skill training programs named after or inspired by Mahatma Phule are primarily spearheaded by the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Research & Training Institute (MAHAJYOTI).

While MAHAJYOTI operates from its central office in Nagpur, they partner with various empanelment institutes and Sector Skill Councils to conduct these programs across the state.

They offer free 3-to-6-month technical and non-technical courses, a monthly stipend, and job placements. Youths aged 18 to 45 belonging to OBC, VJNT, or SBC categories with valid non-creamy layer certificates.

In Mumbai, the nodal employment and skill development offices can be approached to register for state-sponsored skill courses:

The Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) located at Mahapalika Marg, near Metro cinema is a central hub that can guide students to affiliated training partners via the Mahaswayam Portal.

The Mahatma Phule Backward Class Development Corporation (MPBCDC)

located at Mittal Chambers, Nariman Point, aids weaker sections with skill development and entrepreneurship support.

Mahajyoti Skill Development Portal lists exact empanelment centres where students can apply directly for current training batches.

To apply for free skill-upgradation schemes, visit the state’s MahaDBT portal https://mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.inor consult the nearest district skill development office.

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