Varanasi: Kaushal Mahotsav – a diversified skill development mela organised by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) ended on Thursday with as many as 6750 candidates registering and 1600 being shortlisted for different job roles by more than 125 reputed employers.
The two-day event, held in Varanasi, was designed to act as a platform to showcase the government’s various skill development initiatives towards providing better and sustainable livelihoods to the people of Uttar Pradesh. Union Minister Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey was the chief guest at the Mahotsav while other dignitaries that attended included Pakori Lal, MP from Robertganj, BP Saroj, MP from Jaunpur and senior executives from MSDE and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
The event also witnessed the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) certification to bring in a shift from unorganised to organised sector. The certificates were distributed to over 150 candidates in Media Sector Skill Council, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council, Sector Skill Council for Food Processing along with the candidates from Jan Shikshan Sansthan. Also, kits were provided to the candidates from Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council as a tool to encourage them and impart skills. Employment opportunities were further extended to People with Disabilities (PWDs). Tourism and Hospitality Sector Skill Council and Healthcare Sector Skill Council were recognised with certification of Best Exhibitors. Consolation prizes were given to Jan Shiksha Sansthan, National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) and Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Chandauli and Karaundi.
Expressing his views, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey said, “The role of youth in nation development is the highest. They are the leaders of tomorrow who will have an immense contribution in nation building. I see great enthusiasm and a strong promise in Varanasi’s youth. I feel proud seeing their sense of commitment and therefore we will ensure that we strengthen them with more opportunities and encourage them in every step of their life.”
He further added, “I extend my gratitude towards the corporate community which is enabling the youth in securing a better and sustained livelihood. I also urge corporates to become a part of more of such initiatives and lend their support to the candidates while ensuring job continuity and security. We are strongly heading towards creating a skilled workforce in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country with the vision of making India the skill capital of the world.”
Organised by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, the Skill India Rozgar Mela gave an opportunity to job seekers to meet prospective employers and explore various employment opportunities, including entrepreneurship and apprenticeship. Overall, 1440 rozgar melas have been organised nationally from April 2018 till January 2020 in which nearly 5,40,000 candidates have registered and close to 2,40,000 have been shortlisted. In Uttar Pradesh itself, rozgar melas were conducted in 65 districts.
It also offered a platform to the organizations to interact with potential employees in an informal setting. Leading organisations from 20 sectors including beauty and wellness, retail, agriculture, information technology, automobile, leather, hospitality, and more participated in the event. More than 1600 candidates were selected by reputed companies like Vardhman, Carnival Cinemas, Biba Apparel, Barbeque Nation, Kotak, Café Coffee Day, Swiggy and the likes in job roles such as Sales Executive, Warehouse Executive, Retail Trainee Associate, Customer Service Beauty Therapist and more. The Rozgar Mela/ Kaushal Mahotsav brought skilled candidates in direct contact with recruiters, HR managers, admission officers and advisory bodies/training providers. The Mahotsav also has a special focus on skilling and job opportunities for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan) in various sectors.
The objective to organise the Kaushal Mahotsav is to promote opportunities for the youth through vocational education and training, unveil new innovations and futuristic vision in the learning and skills landscape. The event aims to enable exposure to diverse career options that match the skill and/ or educational qualifications of youth, generate awareness amidst the students about training centres in Uttar Pradesh and employment opportunities in various sectors.
