In a recent development, Thane will be home to India’s first Swachh Bharat Academy, set to be established at the Government Technical School under the Maharashtra State Skills University. The initiative took shape with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Maharashtra State Skills University (MSSU) and Bharat Development Group, graced by the presence of Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of key dignitaries including Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Uday Samant, Industries Minister, along with Maharashtra State Innovation Society Commissioner Nidhi Chaudhary, Maharashtra State Skills University Vice Chancellor Dr. Apoorva Palkar, and Hanmantrao Gaikwad of Bharat Vikas Group (BVG).
The tripartite MoU inked among Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS), Maharashtra State Skills University (MSSU), and Bharat Vikas Group (BVG) paves the way for the establishment of the Sant Gadge Baba Swachh Bharat Skill Academy. This pioneering initiative aims to equip youth with skills tailored for employment in sanitation and related services such as hospital cleaning, municipal sanitation, housekeeping, garden maintenance, and railway cleaning.
Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Commissioner & CEO of the Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Department and Maharashtra State Innovation Society, emphasised that the academy, overseen by MSSU, will receive training support from MSSDS while BVG will provide infrastructure. The endeavour aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, ensuring a skilled workforce in the sanitation sector.
The Swachh Bharat Academy, a collaboration between Maharashtra State Skill University, Bharat Vikas Group, and India Development Group, is poised to introduce a range of certificate, diploma, and degree courses to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in sanitation and related services across various sectors. The initiative underscores the commitment to empower youth and create avenues for gainful employment opportunities.
