: Mumbai, September 19, 2025

National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, in collaboration with the Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department (SEEID), Government of Maharashtra, today organized  Capacity Building and Awareness Workshop for Western Zone at the Sahyadri State Guest House, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Mumbai.

The workshop brought together stakeholders from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, including State Skill Development Missions, State Councils for Vocational Training, Universities, School and Technical Boards, Awarding Bodies, industry partners and training institutions, to strengthen awareness of NCVET’s initiatives in the skill ecosystem.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, extended his message to the workshop through a recorded video.  In his remarks, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted the Government’s vision of building a learner-centric and demand-driven skilling ecosystem aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020. He emphasized NCVET’s pivotal role in strengthening quality standards and fostering seamless integration of vocational and general education. He further noted that initiatives such as PMKVY 4.0, the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, Skill India Digital Hub, and the recently launched Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) programme are empowering India’s youth to be future-ready and contribute meaningfully to the vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat.

Delivering the Presidential Address to the participants, Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Hon’ble Minister, Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra, said: “Skilling is about employment and empowerment. Through this workshop, we are taking a strong step towards integrating vocational education in schools and higher education, and ensuring our youth are future-ready with emerging skills.”

In her Keynote Address, Smt. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, emphasized that the National Education Policy 2020 has paved the way for convergence of academic and vocational learning. She noted that NCVET, through zonal workshops, is enabling quality assurance, synergy, and capacity building to achieve the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Vinita Aggarwal, Executive Member, NCVET, highlighted that NCVET’s mandate is to ensure high-quality standards across awarding bodies and assessment agencies. By working closely with States, she noted, vocational education can become robust, credible and aspirational.

Dr. Neena Pahuja, Executive Member, NCVET, stressed that future skills such as Artificial Intelligence and Green Hydrogen must become integral to the skilling ecosystem.

Smt. Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary, Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department, Government of Maharashtra, remarked that collaboration between States and national institutions like NCVET  availability of credible ranking framework are vital for strengthening the skilling ecosystem, and described the workshop as an excellent platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building.

Col. Gunjan Chowdhary, Director, NCVET, spoke about the onboarding and role of Awarding Bodies, while Shri Purnendu Kant, Director, NCVET, shared the key takeaways and way forward for enhancing convergence and synergy in the VET ecosystem.

During the State presentations, Shri Yogesh Patil, Director, Maharashtra State Board of Skill, Vocational Education and Training, showcased Maharashtra’s initiatives in advancing skilling and vocational education. Other States—Gujarat, Goa, Daman & Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli—also presented their experiences and strategies.

The day-long programme included sessions on quality assurance, Academic Bank of Credits, SIDH Portal, convergence of initiatives, and the integration of vocational education in schools and higher education.

The workshop concluded with reflections on future strategies, reinforcing NCVET’s commitment to expanding outreach, supporting State bodies, and fostering synergy among stakeholders for effective implementation of skill development programmes. The event was also live-streamed to ensure wider participation across the Western region and beyond.

PIB Mumbai | Edgar Coelho/Priti Malandkar

 

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