Lucknow: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has praised Uttar Pradesh’s integrated skill development model, describing it as a well-coordinated initiative built on effective inter-departmental convergence to strengthen the state’s skilling ecosystem.
Reviewing the state’s proposal under the Integrated Scheme in Skilling Architecture (ISSA), Sitharaman commended the Yogi Adityanath government for proposing on-the-job training, internships and industry visits for students of Classes XI and XII, saying the initiative would help students establish industry linkages at an early stage and improve their career readiness.
The Finance Minister made the remarks during a review meeting on ISSA, where representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Assam, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh presented detailed implementation plans for the scheme.
Appreciating Uttar Pradesh’s focus on strengthening employability, Sitharaman said, “The Yogi govt’s proposal to make English a qualifying subject in ITI education is a visionary step that will enhance communication skills and employability.”
The Centre has selected Uttar Pradesh for the pilot implementation of ISSA and allocated ₹500 crore for its first phase. Inspired by Germany’s early career orientation model, the proposed framework introduces compulsory career guidance and aptitude assessment for all students from Class VI onwards.
Under the proposal, career counsellors will be engaged on a session basis for students of Classes VI to VIII in coordination with the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM). A dedicated counselling module is expected to benefit nearly 1.1 crore government school students, enabling them to choose electives, projects and co-curricular activities based on their aptitude while keeping both academic and vocational pathways open.
The proposal also envisages the inclusion of industry experts in School Management Committees (SMCs) to mentor students and ensure classroom learning remains aligned with evolving workplace requirements.
For students in Classes IX to XII, vocational education will be strengthened through trainer capacity building, infrastructure enhancement, curriculum modernisation and the introduction of emerging and locally relevant courses aligned with industry demand.
Additionally, around 1.1 crore students enrolled in government institutions from Classes IX to XII will receive structured career guidance to help them make informed decisions on higher education, skills training and employment opportunities.
The ISSA proposal also seeks stronger collaboration between Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and industry. As part of the initiative, the state plans to launch a dedicated internship programme, initially targeting ITI students.
To improve both domestic and international employability, training partners will be selected through a competitive tendering process to deliver English, German and Japanese language training at industry-recognised proficiency levels.
Under the proposed framework, Uttar Pradesh will further strengthen its digital portal for skilling programmes and employment opportunities. The plan also includes apprenticeships in electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and solar grid management across the Noida and Greater Noida industrial corridors. Students participating in these programmes will earn a ‘Green Credit Score’, providing academic credits as well as preference in recruitment for state-led clean energy projects, thereby creating a certified talent pipeline for the green economy.
The state also proposes to establish ‘Kaushal Mandirs’ – specialised, sector-focused skill development centres designed to provide industry-aligned, hands-on training while creating direct pathways to employment.
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