Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship plays a key role in holistic development of a youth. The young population that are ready to be skilled and a demand for skilled labour from the industry gives an impetus to the economic development of the country. The skill development mission could redefine the skill landscape of the country by providing employment opportunities to the youth, giving them dignity of labour and leading the country towards the rapid economic growth as envisaged by Hon. Prime Minister of India. In more ways than one, Skill India will act as the catalyst for other major initiatives such as Digital India, Make in India, Smart Cities etc. It is important to recognize the interdependence of these initiatives and active involvement of various stakeholders in making it happen.

With a vision to integrate skill development initiatives, employment opportunities and encourage self-employment, Maharashtra Government has launched the Mahaswayam Portal. With an increasing mismatch between the industrial requirements in multiple sectors and skills acquired by unemployed youth, this portal brings together the skill aspirants, job seekers, training providers and employers under one umbrella. My endeavor is to align human resources dividend of the state with industries, service sectors and state growth. The Mahaswayam Portal will not only provide students to undertake specialized training but also help them in channelizing their job requirements.

Even after completing courses, youths are unable to find suitable jobs matching their qualifications. Under the integrated portal, a mechanism is provided to ensure that the skilled youth are available for the industry and get jobs in desired sectors or are self-employed for a sustainable living.

I extend my all round support to the cause of providing the youth right skills and employment opportunities.

In a nation where about 4% population is vocationally trained, transforming the skill ecosystem to become aspirational and making it responsive to needs of both industry and society will require an overhaul of the existing system. India being one of the fastest growing economies in the world, there is a palpable shortage of skilled manpower in the country. It therefore becomes necessary to emphasize of skill development, job opportunities and promote self-employment not only in the country, but also in the State of Maharashtra which is India’s second-most populous state.

In the current scenario, there is a need to link the skilled youth with the employers and industries to reduce the increasing mismatch between the demand and supply of the skilled workforce. To combat this challenge, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department has launched the Mahaswayam Portal, to channelize and link the job seekers, employers, industry players and skilled youth under one common platform. This is one of the kind of initiatives by the State government which will enable the State to achieve its set target of Skill India Mission.

I extend my support and good wishes to the department.