The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has achieved significant milestones through its STRIVE (Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement) initiative, which aims to upgrade the infrastructure and capabilities of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India. During an event at Kaushal Bhawan, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, shed light on the project’s transformative impact on vocational training in the country.

Enhancing ITI Ecosystem and Inclusivity

Under the STRIVE initiative, financial assistance has been provided to ITIs in various States and Union Territories, leading to a 92% utilization rate of the allocated funds by implementing agencies. This effective use of resources has improved training infrastructure, boosted enrolment rates, and paved the way for enhanced learning outcomes.

One of the most notable achievements of the program has been the rise in female participation in vocational training programs. The proportion of women in ITI courses has grown from 12% in 2017-18 to an impressive 20% in 2022-23, reflecting a significant move toward inclusivity. Shri Tiwari attributed this positive trend to focused efforts to eliminate cultural and systemic barriers and to make vocational training accessible to all.

Collaboration and Capacity Building

The seven-year World Bank-supported STRIVE project has been a beacon of collaboration between industry, government bodies, and training institutions. A key focus of the initiative has been to enhance apprenticeship opportunities and address gaps in the system. By fostering industry partnerships, STRIVE has created a platform for better alignment between vocational training and real-world industrial requirements.

To improve teaching quality, capacity-building programs for ITI trainers were introduced, emphasizing modern methodologies to equip students with industry-relevant skills. In addition, a model career progression policy for trainers was prepared by the Directorate General of Training (DGT), which has been adopted by nine States to support trainers’ professional growth.

The project also succeeded in addressing on-the-job training (OJT) gaps, achieving a 35% compliance rate in tracking OJT programs. Furthermore, 15 States effectively reduced trainer vacancies, a critical issue that previously hindered the quality of vocational training.

Paving the Way for the Future

Speaking about STRIVE’s achievements, Shri Tiwari emphasized the importance of building upon the initiative’s outcomes. “The implementation of STRIVE has highlighted areas for improvement. The recent budget’s announcement of the hub-and-spoke model for ITI revival is a step forward in realizing the vision of a robust skill development ecosystem,” he stated.

The workshop, attended by representatives from the World Bank, State governments, ITIs, and industry leaders, also served as a platform to launch a compendium showcasing the initiative’s achievements. Discussions during the event focused on innovative practices, challenges, and strategies for the future of skill development.

Representatives from different States shared their experiences. Odisha highlighted the increasing demand for candidates with NTC+ certifications, while Karnataka stressed the importance of addressing cultural barriers to further improve women’s participation in vocational training programs.

The Road Ahead

The STRIVE initiative has successfully laid a strong foundation for India’s vocational training ecosystem, enhancing the capacity and quality of ITIs nationwide. By fostering collaboration among government entities, industries, and educational institutions, the initiative has not only equipped students with industry-ready skills but also paved the way for creating a skilled workforce that can meet the challenges of an ever-evolving industrial landscape.

Looking ahead, the MSDE is focused on developing new schemes inspired by STRIVE’s success. With the ITI ecosystem at the heart of India’s skill development efforts, initiatives like STRIVE are instrumental in bridging skill gaps, promoting inclusivity, and driving economic growth.

Through its commitment to enhancing vocational education, the MSDE is ensuring that India’s workforce is prepared to excel in a competitive global economy while empowering underrepresented groups to participate in the country’s development journey.

This remarkable transformation under STRIVE underscores the importance of sustained investments and collaborative efforts in skill development, making it a cornerstone of India’s growth story.

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