Bhopal: The Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) organised a two-day Jan Shikshan
Sansthan (JSS) Zonal Conference-cum-Stakeholder Consultation and Progress
Review Workshop on 26–27 February 2026 at RCVP Noronha Academy of
Administration, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The workshop brought together 143 Jan
Shikshan Sansthans (JSSs) from across the country along with representatives
from State Governments, TRIFED, NIESBUD, banking institutions, District
Industries Centres, industry partners and other stakeholders.
The conference served as a
structured national platform to review the physical and financial progress of
JSSs during the current financial year and to assess implementation under
initiatives including DAJGUA. It also provided an opportunity for stakeholder
consultations aimed at strengthening governance mechanisms, improving
convergence and aligning the scheme more closely with measurable livelihood
outcomes.
The Jan Shikshan Sansthan Scheme,
a fully funded Central Sector Scheme of the Government of India, provides
non-formal, community-based vocational training to non-literate, neo-literate
and school dropout youth and adults, with a strong focus on women and
disadvantaged sections including SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities and other
marginalized groups. Since FY 2018-19 till 31 December 2025, more than 34 lakh
beneficiaries have been trained under the Scheme, of which 83 percent are
women. The Scheme is currently implemented through 294 JSSs across the country,
delivering training in 51 NSQF-aligned job roles.
Addressing the participants,
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship, Govt of India said, that JSS exemplifies how skilling
must be locally relevant, socially inclusive and outcome-oriented. The strength
of the Scheme lies in its community connect and its ability to reach the
unreached. Going forward, our focus will be on strengthening convergence,
enhancing employability outcomes and ensuring that every district leverages JSS
as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
The event was graced by Ms.
Manasi Sahay Thakur, IAS, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship;
Shri Preeti Maithil, IAS, General Manager, TRIFED, Dr. Shivani Dey, Director,
NIESBUD, Shri Indu Bhushan Lenka, Deputy Secretary and Shri Harsh Vardhan
Sharma, Deputy Director from MSDE, whose presence underscored the importance of
Centre–State collaboration and tribal convergence in strengthening grassroots
skilling initiatives.
The workshop included technical
sessions focused on employability and entrepreneurship, market readiness and
packaging standards, convergence with tribal livelihood initiatives, and
strengthening credit linkages for beneficiaries. A dedicated session by NIESBUD
highlighted the importance of employability skills, while discussions with
industry and institutional partners like Amazon Saheli, focused on improving
product quality, packaging, e-commerce readiness and access to formal finance.
A multi-stakeholder panel discussion involving District Industries Centres,
Lead Banks, JSS representatives and beneficiaries examined practical pathways
for strengthening local convergence and enterprise support.
Shri Sukumar Mandal, Joint
Director, Skill Department, Govt of Madhya Pradesh and Smt. Rita Singh,
Additional Director, Tribal Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh, also
participated in the panel discussion and provided valuable inputs on
strengthening institutional linkages, convergence mechanisms and livelihood
integration at the district level.
An exhibition of JSS products was
also organised on the sidelines of the workshop, showcasing grassroots
innovation, traditional crafts and locally developed products, reinforcing the
scheme’s emphasis on sustainable livelihoods and market integration.
A key reform highlighted during
the conference was the operationalisation of a live, evidence-based Livelihood
Cell module on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). This digital integration
enables structured tracking of beneficiary outcomes including wage employment,
self-employment, micro-enterprise development, SHG linkages, credit
facilitation, participation in job melas and exhibitions, and documented income
impact
The integration of enrolment,
attendance, certification and livelihood monitoring on SIDH strengthens
transparency, accountability and outcome measurement within the JSS ecosystem.
The deliberations were aligned
with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister for an inclusive and self-reliant
Viksit Bharat, where skilling serves as a pathway to dignity and social
mobility. Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent
Charge), MSDE and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, the
Ministry continues to strengthen community-based skilling models, deepen
digital integration and promote convergence with complementary schemes.
Over the years, JSS has emerged
as a strong last-mile skilling model with notable achievements. Training is
delivered at the doorstep through 30–35 sub-centres per district, ensuring
outreach to rural, tribal, border, LWE and aspirational districts. Each JSS
trains approximately 1,800 beneficiaries annually in locally relevant job
roles. The entire training life cycle—enrolment, training, assessment and
certification—is now integrated on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) portal
with Aadhaar-based e-KYC and biometric face authentication, enhancing
transparency and accountability. Beneficiaries receive NCVET-recognised
certificates, strengthening credibility and market recognition of acquired
skills. Dedicated Livelihood Cells within each JSS facilitate employability
skills, SHG and credit linkages, wage and self-employment opportunities, and
post-training support.
The outcomes of the Bhopal
workshop are expected to further strengthen implementation frameworks, enhance
convergence and market integration, and reinforce the effectiveness of the JSS
Scheme during FY 2025–26.