The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for the India’s first integrated National Policy for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship 2015. The Policy acknowledges the need for an effective roadmap for promotion of entrepreneurship as the key to a successful skills strategy. The previous National Policy on Skill Development was formulated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in 2009 and provided for a review after five years to align the policy framework with emerging national and international trends.
The Vision of the Policy is “to create an ecosystem of empowerment by Skilling on a large Scale at Speed with high Standards and to promote a culture of innovation based entrepreneurship which can generate wealth and employment so as to ensure Sustainable livelihoods for all citizens in the country”.
To achieve this Vision, the Policy has four thrust areas. It addresses key obstacles to skilling, including low aspirational value, lack of integration with formal education, lack of focus on outcomes, low quality of training infrastructure and trainers, etc. Further, the Policy seeks to align supply and demand for skills by bridging existing skill gaps, promoting industry engagement, operationalising a quality assurance framework, leverage technology and promoting greater opportunities for apprenticeship training. Equity is also a focus of the Policy, which targets skilling opportunities for socially/geographically marginalised and disadvantaged groups. Skill development and entrepreneurship programmes for women are a specific focus of the Policy. In the entrepreneurship domain, the Policy seeks to educate and equip potential entrepreneurs, both within and outside the formal education system. It also seeks to connect entrepreneurs to mentors, incubators and credit markets, foster innovation and entrepreneurial culture, improve ease of doing business and promote a focus on social entrepreneurship.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi interacted with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists who would be a part of the upcoming Republic Day parade at his residence at Lok Kalyan Marg earlier today. The interaction was followed by vibrant cultural performances showcasing the rich culture and diversity of India.
In a departure from the past, Prime Minister interacted with the participants in an innovative manner. He engaged in an informal, freewheeling one-on-one interaction with the participants.
Prime Minister emphasized the importance of national unity and diversity, urging all participants to interact with people from different states to strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. He highlighted how such interactions foster understanding and unity, which are vital for the nation’s progress.
Prime Minister emphasised that fulfilling duties as responsible citizens is the key to achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat. He urged everyone to remain united and committed to strengthening the nation through collective efforts. He encouraged youth to register on the My Bharat Portal and actively engage in activities that contribute to nation-building. He also spoke about the significance of adopting good habits such as discipline, punctuality, and waking up early and encouraged diary writing.
During the conversation, Prime Minister discussed some key initiatives of the government which are helping make the life of people better. He highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering women through initiatives aimed at creating 3 crore “Lakhpati Didis.” A participant shared the story of his mother who benefited from the scheme, enabling her products to be exported. Prime Minister also spoke about how India’s affordable data rates have transformed connectivity and powered Digital India, helping people stay connected and enhancing opportunities.
Discussing the importance of cleanliness, Prime Minister said that if 140 crore Indians resolve to maintain cleanliness, India will always remain Swachh. He also spoke about the significance of the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, urging everyone to plant trees dedicating them to their mothers. He discussed the Fit India Movement, and asked everyone to take out time to do Yoga and focus on fitness and well-being, which is essential for a stronger and healthier nation.
Prime Minister also interacted with foreign participants. These participants expressed joy in attending the programme, praised India’s hospitality and shared positive experiences of their visits.
As Republic Day approaches, interacted with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists taking part in the parade. We had the opportunity to discuss diverse issues including Swachhata, women empowerment, ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ and more. pic.twitter.com/mKLVaD8HB7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2025
Some more glimpses from the interaction with NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers, Tribal guests and Tableaux Artists. pic.twitter.com/uvhsoah0tX
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 24, 2025