Skill development is most important dimension of our nation's development: CM

Published By : Admin | September 20, 2012 | 17:10 IST

Shri Modi addresses Industry Responsive Skill Convention on ‘Making Gujarat a Skill Hub’

 This convention organized in the run up to Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013

 For me skill development is most important dimension of our nation’s developmental story: Shri Modi

 I see our youth as one of our biggest strengths and most valuable resources: Shri Modi

 Gujarat presents the best picture in job creation. We increased both employment and employability: Shri Modi

 Shri Modi speaks on some of Gujarat’s initiatives for strengthening skill development such as iCreate, SCOPE, eMPOWER, BISAG.

 Our ITIs have been upgraded. I am glad more than 50% of ITIs running on PPP model: Shri Modi

 Proper mapping and cluster approach can go a long way: Shri Modi

We should increase scope, scale, skill and speed and if we do these 4 we can integrate our Yuva Shakti in the process of developing the nation : Shri Modi

 

On the morning of Thursday 20th September 2012 Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Industry Responsive Skill Convention of ‘Making Gujarat a Skill Hub’. This convention was held as an event in the run up to the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2013. In an inspiring speech, Shri Modi spoke on the relevance of skill development and Gujarat’s efforts to strengthen our youth with relevant skills.

Shri Modi termed the issue on empowering our youth with knowledge and skill sets as among the most important ones in the nation’s development journey. We affirmed that more than 50% of the population is below 25 years and this one of our biggest strengths and valuable resources. Shri Modi stressed on the need to invigorate India’s young talent pool and if we are able to convert our youth into skilled workforce India can meet the entire world’s workforce requirements.

 

Read complete text of Shri Modi's speech at Industry Responsive Skill Convention here

 

The Chief Minister said that Gujarat has invested substantial time and resources in facilitating all round development and added that with a holistic approach the Government is increasing the reach of education. Shri Modi opined that Gujarat is enhancing quality in line with latest international trends. On the issue of employment of youth Shri Modi affirmed that Gujarat presents the best picture in job creation in India. He cited the recent surveys by the Government of India that stated that not only does Gujarat create most employment but also is the state with lowest unemployment rate. Shri Modi declared that the Government has increased both employment as well as employability.

During his speech Shri Modi shared valuable insights into some of Gujarat’s initiatives towards sharpening skill development among Gujarat’s youth. He spoke about iCreate, launched under the mentorship of Mr. Narayana Murthy that seeks to give a platform and resources for young innovators. Talking about SCOPE, the Government’s initiative to build English language proficiency among the people Shri Modi said he was glad to see participation of housewives in this movement. He also spoke about eMPOWER to prepare the youth with basic IT skills. In addition, Shri Modi stated that there were other initiatives such as Vanche Gujarat, Khel Mahakumbh, Choice Based Credit System et al in the domain of skill development. Similarly, BISAG plays a major role in enabling quality long distance education through satellite for the youngsters.

Shri Modi talked about the central role played by Industrial Training Institutes in furthering skill development. He shared that in the last decade there has been a 5-fold increase in the number of ITIs. Not only that, the ITIs have been upgraded with new structure, infrastructure, and resources as well as there has been a much needed updating of course material as well. Shri Modi expressed joy in the fact that more than 50% of the ITIs are running on PPP model. The Chief Minister declared that 20 Superior Technology Centres have been launched to give specialized training. These STCs are driven by industry needs and demands.

Shri Modi stated that we should focus on skill development in a big way as this can generate jobs and improve the quality of life. He stressed on the need of proper training to complement the motivation and cited the example of bamboo cultivators whose productivity was enhanced after they went to train in the northeast.

He also placed great importance on proper mapping and cluster approach, giving the example of how in Morbi where ceramic industry is active the ITIs gave stress on ceramic works. Similarly, ITIs in Mandvi-Kutch gave stress on shipbuilding that helped the local people immensely.

Shri Modi said that we should increase scope, scale, skill and speed and if we do these 4 we can integrate our Yuva Shakti in the process of developing the nation. Giving examples, he stated that if we give 200 types of courses we should think of moving towards 2000 or 20,000.

The Chief Minister urged the strengthening of skill development at every level so that our Yuva Shakti can be strengthened and no youngster remains unemployed at any point of time. He affirmed his determination to turning every young mind of Gujarat into a powerhouse of motivation, hard work and innovation.

Gujarat Cabinet Minister Shri Vajubhai Vala spoke about the efforts to enhance skill development in Gujarat under Shri Modi and Shri S Mahalingam of TCS lauded Shri Modi’s visional pro-activeness and called it unparalleled. Others present included Dr. Dalia Schipper, Chief Secretary Shri AK Joti, Principal Secretary Industries Shri Maheshwar Sahu and other dignitaries.

 

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PM Modi’s remarks during the BRICS session: ‘Peace and Security and Reform of Global Governance’
July 06, 2025

Your Highness,

Excellencies,

Namaskar!

I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Lula for the excellent organisation of the 17th BRICS Summit. Under Brazil’s dynamic chairmanship, our BRICS cooperation has gained fresh momentum and vitality. And let me say—the energy we’ve received isn’t just an espresso; it’s a double espresso shot! For this, I applaud President Lula's vision and his unwavering commitment. On behalf of India, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to my friend, President Prabowo, on Indonesia’s inclusion in the BRICS family.

Friends,

The Global South has often faced double standards. Whether it's about development, distribution of resources, or security related matters, the interests of the Global South have not been given due importance. The Global South often received nothing more than token gestures on topics like climate finance, sustainable development, and technology access.

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Friends,

Two-thirds of humanity still lack proper representation in global institutions built in the 20th century. Many countries that play a key role in today’s global economy are yet to be given a seat at the decision-making table. This is not just about representation, it’s also about credibility and effectiveness. Without the Global South, these institutions are like a mobile phone with a SIM card but no network. They’re unable to function properly or meet the challenges of the 21st century. Whether it's ongoing conflicts across the world, the pandemic, economic crises, or emerging challenges in cyber or space, these institutions have failed to offer solutions.

Friends,

Today the world needs a new multipolar and inclusive world order. This will have to start with comprehensive reforms in global institutions. These reforms should not be merely symbolic, but their real impact should also be visible. There must be changes in governance structures, voting rights, and leadership positions. The challenges faced by countries in the Global South must be given priority in policymaking.

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Friends,

The expansion of BRICS and the inclusion of new partners reflect its ability to evolve with the times. Now, we must demonstrate the same determination to reform institutions like the UN Security Council, the WTO, and Multilateral Development Banks. In the age of AI, where technology evolves every week, it's unacceptable for global institutions to go eighty years without reform. You can’t run 21st-century software on 20th-century typewriters!

Friends,

India has always considered it a duty to rise above self interest and work towards the interest of humanity. We’re fully committed to work along with the BRICS countries on all matters, and provide our constructive contributions. Thank you very much.