Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has unveiled a new skill development program targeting the state’s youth, aiming to boost employability through vocational training and a digital platform for overseas job opportunities. Over 45,000 youths have been enrolled in similar schemes since 2023, with thousands trained and placed, aligning with global job market demands.
Himachal’s Bold Push to Skill Youth for Global Opportunities
In a significant move to empower the youth of Himachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced a comprehensive skill development program designed to enhance employability and open global job markets for the state’s young population. The initiative, launched in 2025, builds on the success of the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam (HPKVN), which has already enrolled over 45,000 youths in various skill development schemes since January 2023. Of these, nearly 40,000 have received training certifications, and more than 8,500 have secured employment, demonstrating the state’s commitment to reducing unemployment and fostering self-reliance.
The new program includes the development of a dedicated website and mobile application by the Labour and Employment Department to assist youths seeking international employment opportunities. This digital platform will create a database of aspirants and non-resident Indians (NRIs), drawing inspiration from successful models in Kerala and Telangana, where overseas employment rates are notably higher. The initiative aims to streamline the process of connecting skilled youth with global job markets, particularly in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and technical trades.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the global demand for skilled professionals from Himachal Pradesh, highlighting trades like nursing, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and machine operation. The Himachal Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation (HPSEDC), now a registered recruitment agency, will collaborate with certified training institutes to align skill development with international standards. This ensures that the state’s youth are equipped with market-relevant skills, reducing the risk of exploitation and enhancing their prospects for well-paying jobs abroad.
The program also focuses on infrastructure development to support skill training. The Chief Minister has directed HPKVN to expedite the construction of key facilities, including the Centre of Excellence at Waknaghat in Solan district, Model Career Centres at Kaza and Udaipur, and the Rural Livelihood Centre in Nalagarh. These centers aim to provide quality training infrastructure, ensuring that rural and remote youth have access to skill development opportunities.
This initiative comes amid a broader national push for skilling, with India aiming to prepare its workforce for a knowledge-driven global economy. However, challenges remain, as evidenced by a recent report indicating that 71% of small manufacturing firms in India find government skill-training programs ineffective. Himachal’s targeted approach, with a focus on digital integration and global alignment, seeks to address such gaps by prioritizing practical, industry-relevant training.
The state’s efforts are also part of a larger vision to boost economic remittances and empower its youth to contribute to a developed India by 2047. By studying best practices from other states and investing in skill development infrastructure, Himachal Pradesh is positioning itself as a leader in transforming its youth into a future-ready workforce.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Himachal Pradesh government. Information has been sourced from credible outlets like The Financial Express, Devdiscourse, and The Tribune. Readers are advised to verify details through official government channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information.