- Over 200 youth from five western states compete across 63 skill categories in mega regional championship;
- Jayant Chaudhary says IndiaSkills builds structured pathways from grassroots learning to global platforms like WorldSkills;
- Gujarat Minister Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya calls skills the foundation of future India and industrial strength;
- State flags urgent need for 30 lakh skilled workforce, backed by Rs 10,000-crore investment in youth upskilling;
- Government intensifies AI-ready, industry-aligned skilling ecosystem to transform India into global skills capital
NE YOUTH & EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, FEB 15
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, on Sunday inaugurated the IndiaSkills Competition 2025–26 West Regional Competition at Gujarat National Law University, asserting that India’s youth must embrace skills as a lifelong mission to drive innovation, industrial growth, and global leadership.
He emphasised that IndiaSkills represents a transformative national movement designed to elevate vocational excellence, empower youth, and create globally competitive professionals ready to power India’s next phase of economic and technological growth.
Organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and implemented by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the four-day regional championship has brought together more than 200 of the most talented youth from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh, competing across 63 skill disciplines.
Positioning the event as a cornerstone of India’s talent pipeline, Jayant Chaudhary said IndiaSkills reflects the growing depth of technical capability, discipline, and aspiration among the nation’s youth.
“Competitions like IndiaSkills are not endpoints but launchpads — encouraging participants to see excellence as a journey of lifelong learning.”
He noted that IndiaSkills creates structured mobility pathways for youth — from grassroots training institutions to national excellence and onward to global platforms such as the WorldSkills Competition.
“IndiaSkills is designed to move talent from training centres to global platforms, creating a future-ready workforce aligned with India’s growth ambitions and the National Education Policy 2020,” he said.
Gujarat Emerging as National Model for Industry-Aligned Skilling
Highlighting the western region’s strategic importance, Chaudhary underlined that Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan sit at the heart of India’s industrial growth story, spanning manufacturing, renewable energy, automotive, textiles, ports, logistics, and advanced technologies.
He said Gujarat has emerged as a leading example of industry-aligned skilling, backed by robust ITI networks, proactive industry partnerships, and forward-looking policies.
“The convergence of industrial demand and responsive skilling frameworks positions western India as a key driver of India’s ambition to become a global hub for skilled talent,” he said.
He further stressed that as artificial intelligence reshapes industries, initiatives such as SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) are equipping youth with emerging technological competencies.
‘Foundation of Future India Is Being Laid Here’: Kunwarjibhai Bavaliya
Gujarat Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarjibhai Bavaliya underscored the transformational significance of the competition.
“This is not just a competition. The foundation of future India is being laid here,” Bavaliya said.
Emphasising Gujarat’s industry-centric approach, he added:
“Skill is the biggest asset in today’s economy. Gujarat is committed to preparing industry-ready manpower and empowering youth to become drivers of economic growth and innovation.”
He noted that skill development has become central to Gujarat’s economic strategy, enabling youth to access employment, entrepreneurship, and global opportunities.
Gujarat Needs 30 Lakh Skilled Workforce, Rs 10,000 Crore Invested: Lochan Sehra
Reinforcing the scale of the opportunity, Lochan Sehra, Secretary, Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department, Government of Gujarat, highlighted the state’s massive workforce requirements and investment.
“Gujarat requires nearly 30 lakh skilled persons to meet the demands of its fast-growing industrial and services sectors. Recognising this urgent need, the Government of Gujarat is investing nearly Rs 10,000 crore to upskill youth, strengthen training infrastructure, and build a future-ready workforce,” he said.
He added that platforms like IndiaSkills play a critical role in elevating the aspirational value of vocational excellence and connecting youth with global opportunities.
Record National Participation Reflects Rising Aspirational Value of Skills
IndiaSkills, the country’s premier skill competition platform, has witnessed unprecedented participation this cycle, with over 3.65 lakh candidates from 35 States and Union Territories registering across 63 skill categories through the Skill India Digital Hub.
In the West Regional Competition:
- 41 skills are being conducted onsite with live demonstrations
- 22 skills are evaluated through offsite formats
- Winners will advance to national-level competitions and global platforms
The competition serves as a vital pathway for identifying India’s best talent and preparing them for international recognition.
Strengthening India’s Journey Towards Global Skills Leadership
The inauguration ceremony was attended by key dignitaries including:
- Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Maharashtra
- Niranjan Kumar Sudhansu, Additional Secretary, MSDE
- Praveen Kumar, Joint Director, MSDE
They collectively emphasised that strengthening skill ecosystems is essential for sustaining India’s industrial growth, innovation capacity, and global competitiveness.
The competition, which continues until February 18, will see top performers advance to national finals and potentially represent India internationally.
By hosting the West Regional Competition, IndiaSkills continues to reinforce India’s mission of transforming its youth into a future-ready workforce — positioning the country as a global powerhouse of skilled talent.
