Tag: #SkillDevelopment

  • Skill development key to building self-reliant & developed India: Governor Kavinder Gupta

    Skill development key to building self-reliant & developed India: Governor Kavinder Gupta

    • 4.86 lakh youth in Himachal Pradesh benefitted under various Central skill development schemes

    Governor Kavinder Gupta today said that skill development was the strongest foundation for creating a self-reliant workforce and achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He was addressing the Skill Convocation Ceremony organised by Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), Shimla at Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Shimla.

    Congratulating the trainees who successfully completed their skill training, the Governor emphasised that skills empower individuals to contribute effectively to society and participate actively in the nation’s progress. He said that the positive impact of the skill development initiatives of the Government of India was clearly visible in Himachal Pradesh. Since the inception of various centrally initiated and sponsored skill development schemes, 4,86,288 youth in the state have been trained or benefitted. He said these achievements reflect the success of flagship programmes of the central government aimed at empowering youth through industry-oriented training and employment opportunities. He maintained that Under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, 1,77,549 youth have benefitted, while 95,942 youth have been covered under the JSS Skill Development Scheme. Similarly, 48,947 youth have benefitted under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, and 1,63,850 youth have received training through the Craftsmen Training Scheme and Industrial Training Institutes in the State.

    Highlighting the vision of PM Narendra Modi, Kavinder Gupta said that initiatives such as the Skill India Mission, Startup India, Stand-Up India, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan have transformed skill development into a nationwide movement. Referring to the Prime Minister’s mantra of “Skill, Re-skill and Up-skill”, he said continuous learning has become crucial in the era of digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence and changing job markets.

    Emphasising the importance of linking education with skills, the Governor said that the National Education Policy 2020 has given special focus to integrating education, skill development, innovation and entrepreneurship to prepare youth for future challenges.

    The Governor congratulated the management, trainers and entire team of JSS, Shimla, for their efforts in empowering youth and contributing towards the creation of a skilled and self-reliant society.

    Seh Sangathan Mantri, Vidya Bharti Uttar Kshetra Bal Kishan welcomed the Governor and said that alongside education, Vidya Bharati was also dedicated to instilling values and character. Vidya Bharati operates 1,268 schools across the country and students educated there are now serving in high-ranking positions. The organization works with a spirit of dedication towards the holistic development of its students.

    Earlier, Chairman, Himachal Shiksha Samiti, Himachal Prant Mohan Kesta welcomed the Governor on the occasion and briefed about the “Kaushal Dikshant Samaroh”. He also apprised about The Jan Shikshan Sansthan.

    Director JSS Manjula Attri, read out the annual report of the sansthan.

  • Serving Heritage Beyond Borders: Chef Nand Lal Sharma’s Culinary Mission Continues

    Serving Heritage Beyond Borders: Chef Nand Lal Sharma’s Culinary Mission Continues

    Preneeta Sharma 

    Shimla/Ranchi

    Every journey has a destination, but for Chef Nand Lal Sharma, every destination is another chapter in the story of India’s timeless culinary heritage.

    Having recently showcased the traditional cuisine of Himachal Pradesh at the prestigious Rashtrapati Bhavan, Chef Sharma is now set to carry the flavours of the Himalayas to Pan IIT Kaushal College, Ranchi, where he has been invited as an assessor and master culinary expert.

    More than a professional engagement, the visit represents a cultural movement one that celebrates India’s forgotten food traditions and reconnects communities through authentic regional cuisine.

    For decades, Chef Sharma has dedicated his life to ensuring that Himachal’s centuries-old recipes, once confined to village kitchens and festive gatherings, find their rightful place on national and international platforms.

    His mission goes beyond cooking; it is about preserving identity, documenting tradition, and inspiring future generations to value India’s indigenous food wisdom.

    At Ranchi, Chef Sharma will present authentic Himachali delicacies while creating a unique dialogue between the food traditions of Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand.

    Despite being separated by geography, both regions share a remarkable culinary philosophy respect for local ingredients, seasonal cooking, sustainable practices, and recipes deeply rooted in community life.

    “Traditional cuisine is not merely food served on a plate; it is history preserved through taste, culture expressed through ingredients, and generations remembered through recipes,” says Chef Sharma.

    The interaction with hospitality students promises to be much more than a cooking demonstration. It will be a lesson in cultural preservation, sustainability, nutrition, and the importance of protecting India’s regional food heritage in an era dominated by fast food and globalised tastes.

    Widely regarded as one of the foremost ambassadors of Himachali cuisine, Chef Nand Lal Sharma’s illustrious career includes recognition through the Guinness World Records, Limca Book of Records, International Chef Award, King Chef Award, Himachal Excellence Award, and certification as a World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) B-Level Judge. As President of the Him Aanchal Chefs Association (HIMCA) and DGM (Food & Beverage) & Consultant, HPTDC, he continues to champion India’s culinary legacy across the country.

    His Ranchi visit symbolises far more than the promotion of one state’s cuisine ,it reflects the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” where regional traditions unite to tell the larger story of India’s cultural richness.

    As the aroma of Siddu, Madra, Dham and other Himachali delicacies reaches Jharkhand, Chef Nand Lal Sharma once again proves that food is one of the strongest bridges between cultures, traditions and people.

    From the majestic kitchens of Rashtrapati Bhavan to the vibrant classrooms of Ranchi, Chef Nand Lal Sharma continues to carry the soul of Himachal is one traditional dish at a time.

  • Shoolini University wins ICF India Coaching Excellence Award 2026 for Youth Empowerment

    Shoolini University wins ICF India Coaching Excellence Award 2026 for Youth Empowerment

    Solan, June 11
    Shoolini University has been conferred the ICF India Coaching Excellence Award 2026 in the Organisation/University Category for Youth Empowerment at the ICF India Coaching Conclave, held at Taj Yeshwantpur, Bengaluru.
    Presented under the aegis of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) India, the award recognised institutions that demonstrated exceptional impact through coaching-led transformation and youth development. ICF India is among the world’s most respected professional coaching bodies.
    The recognition marks a significant progression in the university’s national standing. In 2022, at the inaugural ICF India Coaching Excellence Awards, Shoolini received an Honourable Mention alongside organisations such as CEAT Tyres. Two years later, in 2024, the university earned a Global Honourable Mention at the ICF Coaching Impact Awards in the Social Impact Category  placing it among internationally recognised institutions driving transformational change through coaching.
    Vice Chancellor Prof Atul Khosla said Shoolini University had always believed that education must nurture not only intellectual excellence but also human excellence. This recognition from the ICF ecosystem reaffirmed our commitment to creating a university culture rooted in leadership, empathy, innovation, and meaningful impact, he said.
    Ms Payal Jindal Khanna, Director, Centre for Leadership Coaching, Shoolini University, said coaching had the power to transform the way young people viewed themselves, their leadership potential, and their future. The recognition is deeply meaningful because it validates the belief that universities must move beyond information delivery and focus on developing emotionally intelligent, self-aware, compassionate, and future-ready individuals, she added.
  • Women Entrepreneurs Get Platform for Funding, Networking and Business Growth in Shimla

    Women Entrepreneurs Get Platform for Funding, Networking and Business Growth in Shimla

    DIC Shimla organizes Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme under RAMP Project; 55 women entrepreneurs participate

    Shimla, June 8: In a significant step towards promoting women-led entrepreneurship and financial inclusion, the District Industries Centre (DIC), Shimla, organized a one-day Funding and Networking Meet along with an Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme in Shimla. The programme was conducted through NITCON Limited and saw enthusiastic participation from around 55 women entrepreneurs from different parts of the district.

    The event, organized by the Department of Industries, was chaired by Surender Sharma, Extension Officer (EO), DIC Shimla. The programme aimed to create awareness about financial assistance opportunities, government support schemes, and marketing platforms available to women entrepreneurs.

    Participants actively engaged in discussions and networking sessions, showcasing their enthusiasm to expand their businesses and strengthen their entrepreneurial skills. The event provided a valuable platform for women entrepreneurs to interact with experts and gain insights into business development opportunities.

    During the programme, detailed information was shared on banking services, loan sanction procedures, government subsidies and incentive schemes, insurance benefits, Udyam Registration, and digital and online registration processes. Experts also guided participants on how to access institutional support and leverage government initiatives for business growth.

    Representatives from various departments and institutions attended the programme, including Parikshit Gangta from the LDM Office and UCO Bank, Hemlata Verma, District Programme Manager, DRDA-NRLM, noted entrepreneur Rachna Shakya, and officials of the Department of Industries.

    The programme was organized under Component-7, “Social Inclusion,” of the RAMP (Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance) Project. The initiative seeks to improve financial access for women entrepreneurs, strengthen their linkage with government schemes, and facilitate sustainable livelihood opportunities and market connections.

    Officials stated that the programme served as a practical and impactful initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, enhancing their financial literacy, and encouraging self-reliance through entrepreneurship.

  • Himachal Introduces 4-Year Degree Courses in 26 Government Colleges from 2026-27

    Himachal Introduces 4-Year Degree Courses in 26 Government Colleges from 2026-27

    Shimla, June 4: The Himachal Pradesh Government has issued a notification restructuring undergraduate education in government colleges in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) from the academic session 2026-27.

    Under the new policy, 26 Government Degree Colleges with student enrolment exceeding 1,500 will offer a Four-Year Undergraduate Degree Programme (FYUGP) with Honours or Honours with Research options. The Honours with Research programme will be available only in subjects where at least two recognized PhD supervisors are available.

    EDUCATION

    Additionally, three Government Degree Colleges with enrolment between 1,000 and 1,500 students will offer the four-year Honours degree programme.

    The existing three-year undergraduate degree programme will continue in the remaining 91 Government Degree Colleges and at DAV College Kotkhai.

    As part of education reforms announced in the 2026-27 Budget, the government has also decided to merge nine government colleges with fewer than 75 students into government colleges located at their respective district headquarters. Furthermore, Government Degree College Kukumseri will be merged with Government Degree College Kullu.

    No fresh admissions will be made in these ten colleges during the 2026-27 academic session. Existing students will be adjusted in district headquarters colleges, while students opting to study there will receive a monthly scholarship of ₹5,000.

    The notification also provides for the introduction of four-year undergraduate programmes with Honours and Honours with Research in Government Sanskrit Colleges at Phagli, Sundernagar, and Nahan in subjects such as Sahityacharya, Darshanacharya, Jyotishacharya, Vyakaranacharya and Vedacharya.

    The state government has also granted permission to four aided colleges—St. Bede’s College, MCM DAV College, LMS College, and SVSD College—to offer four-year undergraduate programmes with Honours or Honours with Research.

    The government has clarified that these programmes must operate within the existing faculty and staff strength, without any additional posts or financial assistance. The continuation of the programmes will depend on maintaining a minimum enrolment of 1,000 students in each institution.

  • HPTU Plans Major Reforms in Academic Administration & Student Welfare

    HPTU Plans Major Reforms in Academic Administration & Student Welfare

    HAMIRPUR JUNE 4

    The Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU), Hamirpur, has decided to reconstitute its System Committee with the objective of further enhancing the efficiency, transparency and credibility of the University’s entrance examination system. The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Abhishek Jain.

    The meeting also resolved to reorganize the composition of the Academic Council and introduce necessary amendments wherever required to improve its functioning. In another significant decision aimed at safeguarding institutional integrity and confidentiality, it was decided that employees posted in the Confidential Branch and other sensitive sections of the University would ordinarily be transferred after completing a tenure of one to two years.

    The Vice-Chancellor said that, in line with the vision and directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, the University is implementing several multi-dimensional initiatives to align the quality of education with global standards. As part of these efforts, a Competitive Examination Cell will be established to provide students with guidance, counseling and mentoring for various competitive examinations, thereby enhancing their career prospects.

    He said that to create awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and promote a healthy campus environment, the University will organize a 30-minute Anti-Drug Awareness Session on the first Monday of every month. He said that the initiative is expected to sensitize students and staff about the social and health consequences of substance abuse.

    Dr. Jain also directed the concerned authorities to take timely steps for the constitution of the General Grievance Redressal Committee and the Gender Sensitization and Counseling Cell to strengthen student support mechanisms and ensure a safe and inclusive campus atmosphere.

    He further directed the University officials to submit detailed reports on matters pending with the Government of India as well as approvals and decisions awaiting action from the state government.

    Dr. Jain also held detailed discussions on student-centric issues, including transportation facilities through the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC), sports infrastructure, library resources, procurement of laboratory equipment, construction of rain shelters and enhancement of green cover on the campus.

  • Governor Appreciates Academy’s Role in Good Governance

    Governor Appreciates Academy’s Role in Good Governance

    June 2 ,Shimla

    Director General of the National Academy of Audit and Accounts, Shimla  S. Alok  called on Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan today.

    During the meeting, Shri Alok briefed the Governor on the Academy’s training, capacity-building and research initiatives for officers of the Indian Audit and Accounts Department and other institutions, aimed at strengthening professional competence, financial accountability and public financial management.

    The Governor lauded the Academy’s contribution to skill development, transparency and good governance and conveyed best wishes for its future endeavours.

  • HPCED to Train 2,420 Candidates Under PM VIKAS Scheme in Himachal

    HPCED to Train 2,420 Candidates Under PM VIKAS Scheme in Himachal

    Focus on Women Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Skill Development

    Shimla, May 29: The HP Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (HPCED) will train 2,420 candidates across Himachal Pradesh under the PM VIKAS Scheme after being selected as a Project Implementing Agency (PIA) by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

    An MoU for the project was signed on May 29 between Neha Giri, Director, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, and Deepika Khatri, Joint Director, Industries-cum-Executive Director, HPCED.

    Under the initiative, 1,700 women will be trained under the Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship component, while 720 candidates will be covered under the Non-Traditional component, taking the total number of beneficiaries to 2,420 across the state.

    The programme will offer skill development and entrepreneurship training in areas including Mountain Cuisine, Fashion Designing, Beauty Therapy, Leadership Development and Business Mentoring (Udyami Mitra). The training will be conducted across various districts of Himachal Pradesh.

    The project aims to provide end-to-end support, including mobilisation, training, certification and handholding assistance, with a focus on enhancing employability and promoting entrepreneurship among youth and women.

    Deepika Khatri said the initiative is expected to create new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and skilled workers while contributing to inclusive economic growth in Himachal Pradesh.