The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) concluded the two-day Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Zonal Conference-cum-Stakeholder Consultation and Progress Review Workshop at Symbiosis Skill & Professional University, Pune, reaffirming the Government of India’s focus on inclusive, community-driven skilling and sustainable livelihood creation for last-mile populations.
Organised by MSDE, the conference saw participation from 152 Jan Shikshan Sansthans representing 11 States and Union Territories. The event brought together JSS practitioners, senior officials from MSDE, the Directorate of Jan Shikshan Sansthan, representatives from the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), and academic partners to review progress, deliberate on systemic improvements and strengthen institutional capacity within the JSS ecosystem.
The conference was chaired by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, along with Shri Nirajan Kumar Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, MSDE, and other senior officials, with discussions centred on employability, entrepreneurship and livelihood outcomes.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee said, “Jan Shikshan Sansthans are central to inclusive skilling in India. Our focus is to move from training to real outcomes by strengthening alumni connect, aligning skills with market demand, and supporting entrepreneurship through finance and market linkages. By modernising traditional skills and scaling success stories, we aim to ensure that grassroots skilling leads to sustainable livelihoods, dignity and empowerment for women and marginalised communities.”
Dedicated sessions on employability skills and entrepreneurship development were conducted by experts from NIESBUD and faculty from Symbiosis Skill & Professional University. These sessions were led by Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director General, NIESBUD, and Dr. Swati Majumdar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, who highlighted the importance of learner-centric skilling, enhanced work readiness and enterprise-oriented approaches.
A focused session on financial and credit linkages was also organised with experts from Central Bank of India and NIESBUD, underscoring the need for financial literacy, stronger banking partnerships and structured support systems to help JSS beneficiaries convert skills into income-generating opportunities.
The conference also featured sessions on artificial intelligence and digital tools in skilling delivery, governance reforms, SIDH portal compliance, strengthening Livelihood Cells, and improving branding and market access for JSS products.
A JSS exhibition showcased products developed by beneficiaries from various regions, highlighting grassroots skills and local crafts. Ms. Mukherjee also visited the Skill Labs at Symbiosis Skill & Professional University to observe modern training infrastructure and vocational education practices.
Group deliberations focused on reviewing physical and financial progress during the current financial year, improving training quality, enhancing employability and entrepreneurship outcomes, strengthening credit and market linkages, and addressing operational challenges.
The Jan Shikshan Sansthan Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme implemented by MSDE through non-governmental organisations, provides vocational skills in non-formal mode to non-literate, neo-literate individuals, school dropouts and disadvantaged groups. As of December 2025, the scheme has trained more than 34 lakh beneficiaries, with women accounting for over 83 per cent of participation.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Jan Shikshan Sansthans as last-mile skilling institutions delivering employment, income, dignity and inclusive growth.
