In a major initiative to enhance job readiness among the youth, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh has partnered with the Wadhwani Foundation to roll out a statewide employability programme. The collaborative effort aims to empower students of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) with critical soft skills needed to succeed in the modern workforce. The initiative was formalised on Monday through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (SDE) and the Foundation’s Wadhwani Skill Network (WSN). The programme will be implemented across all ITIs in Arunachal Pradesh. The newly launched programme goes beyond technical training. It will equip trainees with essential soft skills—such as communication, adaptability, teamwork, critical thinking, and workplace behaviour—that are often the deciding factors in career growth and job retention. These competencies are especially important in today’s fast-evolving job landscape, where employers are increasingly seeking well-rounded professionals.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Nyato Dukam, Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, hailed the partnership as a “milestone moment” for the state. “This is not just about improving technical skills. It’s about preparing our youth with the life skills needed to thrive in real-world work environments,” the minister said. He confirmed that the programme would be rolled out immediately across all ITIs in the state. The training will follow a hybrid learning model, combining self-paced digital content with instructor-led sessions, in line with the norms set by the Directorate General of Training (DGT). This blended approach is expected to improve accessibility and ensure personalized learning outcomes. Saugat Biswas, Commissioner of the department, noted that the programme aligns with national skill development standards and will significantly enhance the employability of ITI graduates. “It’s a step towards creating a workforce that is not only technically sound but also socially and professionally competent,” he said.
Representing the Wadhwani Foundation, Sunil Dahiya, Executive Vice President, expressed optimism about the partnership. “There is a clear gap between technical expertise and workplace readiness. Our goal is to bridge that gap and help build a talent pool that meets the expectations of modern employers,” he remarked.
