Rajasthan Advances Skill Development Initiatives with Key Government Meetings

On February 13, 2026, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) conducted an important meeting with representatives from the Rajasthan government. The main goal of this meeting was to review how well skill training programs are working and find ways to improve the employment chances for people in Rajasthan. The meeting was led by Jayant Chaudhary, who is the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, as well as the Minister of State for Education in India. He was joined by Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Rajasthan’s Minister for Industry and Commerce, Youth Affairs and Sports, along with Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship. Both leaders discussed the ongoing initiatives and how to make them more successful. The focus of the meeting was on strengthening the partnership between the central government and the Rajasthan state government. They aimed to work together more closely to improve training programs and job opportunities. This is part of a broader effort to support skill development across the country. Rajasthan is known for having one of the largest networks of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India. The state has a total of 1,537 ITIs. Of these, 182 are operated by the government, and 1,355 are privately run. These institutes play a key role in providing technical training to youth, helping them gain skills that are needed in the job market. In the recent programs, more than 3 lakh individuals in Rajasthan have been trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0. This scheme is designed to teach skills that improve employment chances for young people. In addition, over 1 lakh apprentices have been involved in the Pradhan Mantri National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (PM-NAPS). This program helps young people gain practical work experience in different industries, making them more ready for employment. The meeting also discussed plans to implement the PM-SETU scheme. This initiative aims to upgrade ITIs across Rajasthan and has a proposed budget of 60,000 crore rupees. Upgrading these institutions is expected to improve the quality of training and better prepare students for modern industries. Another key aspect of the discussion was the plan to establish Skill India International Centres in the cities of Jaipur and Bharatpur. These centers are meant to provide international-level skill training, helping students gain global standards of expertise. Both the central and state governments agreed on the importance of speeding up the approval process for new projects related to skill development. They also emphasized the need for stronger monitoring and assessment of ongoing programs to ensure they meet their goals. The overarching aim of these efforts is to build a skilled workforce in sectors like automotive, electronics, and handicrafts. By doing so, Rajasthan hopes to attract more investment and create more job opportunities for its people. This coordinated approach demonstrates the commitment of both government levels to improve skills training and employment in Rajasthan. By working together, they aim to support economic growth and boost the livelihoods of many residents. In summary, the meeting highlighted significant progress and future plans for skill development in Rajasthan. With a large network of training institutes, extensive training programs, and strategic schemes like PM-SETU, the state is aiming to become a hub for skilled workers. These initiatives are expected to benefit thousands of young people and help Rajasthan advance economically.