NEWS

• Karnataka Cabinet approves Skill Development Policy 2025-32.
• Aims to modernize ITIs, GTTCs, KGTTIs, integrate emerging trades, and promote gender-inclusive vocational education.
• Goal: enhance employability and economic growth.

 HIGHLIGHTS

Strengthening Institutions

• Focus on ITIs, GTTCs, KGTTIs as core components of skill development.
• Introduce German language training to improve global employability.
• Of 271 government ITIs, 26 lack buildings; policy recommends modern infrastructure and fully functional workshops.

 Curriculum & Emerging Trades

• Mainstream skill development into school and higher education systems.
• Curriculum rationalization to align with industry needs.
• Introduce courses in automation, robotics, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, cybersecurity.
• Launch NSQF-aligned certification programs in collaboration with industry bodies.

 Skill Labs & Practical Exposure

• 31 specialised skill labs + district-level libraries across government ITIs.
• Establish Training, Counselling, and Placement Cells (TCPCs) in all ITIs.
• Organize industry visits and workshops for practical exposure.
• Set up 134 advanced computer & language labs for digital and communication skills.

Junior Technical Schools (JTS) & Vocational Expansion

• Six government + six private JTSs offering foundational technical education.
• Upgrade existing JTSs and establish at least one per district.
• Implement Schools of Vocational Education in universities.
• Engineering colleges to provide guidance, knowledge-sharing, capacity-building support to ITIs.

 Gender-Inclusive Skill Development

• Target 33% women enrolment in ITIs.
• Fee waivers for girl trainees in government ITIs.
• Scholarships for girls in GTTCs and KGTTIs.
• Promote equitable access to industry-relevant skills and employment.

Significance

• Strengthens human capital and employability → boosts economic growth.
• Integrates vocational education with formal education for industry-ready skills.
• Promotes gender inclusion, global employability, and technological upskilling.