What happened: “Kaushal Manthan” Regional Conference of Skill Ministers in Kolkata

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) convened the “Kaushal Manthan” Regional Conference of Skill Ministers in Kolkata on 18 August 2026. The conference brought together Ministers and senior officers from participating States and Union Territory to strengthen Centre–State coordination and advance an industry-connected, outcome-oriented skilling ecosystem.

The conference was chaired by Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India. Participation included Ministers and officials from West Bengal, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and additional representatives from Goa, Jharkhand, and the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.

What PM-SETU implementation was expected to achieve (as framed in the conference)

Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasised that PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) should be implemented as a comprehensive institutional reform rather than only an infrastructure upgrade.

The conference discussion linked PM-SETU implementation with district-level planning, industry participation, and an industry-responsive model for ITIs aimed at improving employability and supporting youth upward mobility. Shri Chaudhary also highlighted convergence among the Centre, States, industry, and training institutions, with alignment of policy, infrastructure, and investment around the learner.

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