Expressing the need for more emphasis on skill, Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said, “Maharashtra Government will soon introduce new industry-oriented skill development courses in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and other training centres across the State. Lodha was interacting with mediapersons at Chitnavis Centre on Thursday. He was in Nagpur to grace the ‘Rojgar Melava’ at RTMNU. “We will introduce new, industry-oriented trades and design skill development courses accordingly. Our goal is to align training with the future needs of the job market,” Lodha stated. The Minister said that, the Government is actively identifying emerging trades that are in high demand across industries.

 

These include artificial intelligence, robotics, renewable energy, drone operations, cybersecurity, smart agriculture, and green construction techniques. The Government also plans to roll out PPP models for curriculum design. Around 5,000 companies and entrepreneurs are being approached to adopt ITIs, co-create courses, and ensure employment linkages. “We don’t just want companies as recruiters—we want them to be curriculum partners who help shape the talent pipeline,” Lodha said while replying to a question. Contd from page 1 The revamp will also focus on digital infrastructure, smart classrooms, and simulation-based training in over 400 ITIs. As of the latest available data, Maharashtra has a total of 976 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), comprising 417 Government-run and 559 private institutions, pointed out Lodha.

 

“Additionally, the Government is preparing women-centric and rural-focused training programmes. Special courses will empower rural youth and women to enter high-growth sectors like solar technology, electronics repair, logistics, and EV maintenance,” informed Lodha to the mediapersons. To give Maharashtra’s workforce a global edge, Lodha revealed that the State is exploring partnerships with international skilling hubs in countries such as Japan, Singapore and Germany, with plans to launch globally recognised certifications. “We are not just teaching skills—we are building a future-ready workforce,” Lodha asserted. Mangal Prabhat Lodha acknowledged that the present condition of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the State was not up to the mark. “We are aware that many ITIs in the State lack modern infrastructure, updated curriculum, and industry linkage. This needs urgent attention,” Lodha said.b According to Lodha, Government has taken note of these challenges and is working on a comprehensive revamp, including course modernisation, faculty training, and public-private partnerships. Dr. Apoorva Palkar is the Founding Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra State Skills University(MSSU), noted entrepreneur Dr Dipen Agrawal and others were present.