The government of Himachal Pradesh has announced that more than 12,378 young people have obtained employment through various initiatives, including job fairs, joint placement drives, and campus recruitment efforts during the current administration. Additionally, a total of 14,421 students and 1,203 faculty members have gained access to digital learning resources via Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) and the SWAYAM platform.
Officials highlighted that these accomplishments signify a transition towards modern, technology-driven skill development that aligns with global job market demands. The focus of reforms in technical education has shifted from conventional courses to those that are advanced and relevant to industry needs.
New academic disciplines have been introduced, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, M.Tech in Electric Vehicle Technology, the Internet of Things, and Mechatronics, along with 19 contemporary vocational trades in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). These programs aim to equip the youth of Himachal Pradesh with the necessary skills for emerging opportunities in the digital and industrial sectors.
Currently, the state boasts 348 operational technical education and training institutions, including engineering colleges, pharmacy colleges, polytechnics, and ITIs within both public and private sectors. The establishment of the Government Pharmacy College at Sulah and the Government Polytechnic at Jandaur has helped to extend quality technical education to less accessible areas.
Furthermore, to enhance quality assurance, four undergraduate programs at JLN Government Engineering College in Sundernagar have received accreditation from the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). The state has also initiated training for Drone Service Technicians at 11 government ITIs in partnership with the Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam, with 128 trainees already certified, positioning Himachal Pradesh among the leading states preparing for the expanding drone economy.
To strengthen ties between education and industry, the department has signed over 170 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with various industrial partners, ensuring a steady stream of placements, internships, and knowledge sharing opportunities. The National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) provide students with valuable real-world industrial experience while earning stipends.
As part of the ADB-funded Himachal Pradesh Skill Development Project, machinery and equipment at 50 ITIs, one Polytechnic, and one Engineering College have been upgraded at a sanctioned cost of Rs. 80.98 crore, benefiting approximately 5,880 students. An additional investment of Rs. 5.92 crore has been made in ITI infrastructure and green initiatives to develop sustainable and technologically equipped campuses.
In support of this green initiative, 36 ITIs have been outfitted with video conferencing systems valued at Rs. 1.20 crore, ten ITIs have received 120 modern computers worth Rs. 89 lakh, 37 ITIs have installed energy-efficient inverters costing Rs. 1.66 crore, three ITIs have established 25 kW on-grid solar plants worth Rs. 36.75 lakh, and 16 ITIs have been equipped with 100 solar street lights at a cost of Rs. 11.79 lakh.
The government contends that these reforms represent a comprehensive overhaul of the state”s technical education framework, transforming institutions from mere training providers to entities that foster skill development, encourage employment, promote innovation, and stimulate economic growth. With advanced curricular offerings, modernized infrastructure, robust industry collaborations, and digital learning platforms, Himachal Pradesh aims to emerge as a leading model for technical and vocational education in the coming decade.
