On July 11, 2024, the Government of Goa hosted World Youth Skill Day Celebration at Kala Academy. The event was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. who Is also Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Dr.Pramod Sawant delivered a keynote address that emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing skill development.

The State Level Programme featured a demonstration of skills by students trained under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) through the Samagra Shiksha Programme. The students. skilled in various sectors including healthcare, tourism and hospitality, retail, automobile, agriculture, media and entertainment, apparel, beauty and wellness, construction, telecom and IT, showcased their practical abilities at the “Samagra Shiksha NSQF” pavilion. Dr. Pramod Sawant congratulated the successful entrepreneur s and commended the Samagra Shiksha team’s efforts in Goa.

A distinct pavilion was set up to feature successful entrepreneurs who had completed training at Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Hon’ble Chief Minister engaged with each entrepreneur. discussing their future projects and expressing his satisfaction with their achievements.

Skill Exhibition al Kala Academy was open for 4 days. Dr. Pramod Sawant announced that Goa is recognized for having some of the best ITls in the country, with all ten ITls in the State having received ISO certification. Notably, five ITls -Farmagudi, Bicholim, Cacora. Mapusa and Vasco-had been upgraded to Centres of excellence. equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, thanks to a Rs.165 Crore investment from TATA Technologies Limited and matching grants from the State Government.

Swayampurna Mitras were instrumental in identifying artisans from remote areas including Pernem and Sanguem, who also participated in the Skill exhibition. Under the Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, Shramjeevis/Vishwakarmas were enrolled and received a Rs.2,500 training allowance and Rs.15,000 in e-vouchers for tools and equipment. These beneficiaries received advanced re-skilling and up-skilling training at various ITls in Goa with their skills on display at the exhibition.

Approximately 40 successful entrepreneurs exhibited their work at the Skill Exhibition. The Directorate of Planning, Statistics, and Evaluation requested the Directorate of Education to arrange visits for students from standards VIII through XII to the exhibition.

During the program. four trainees who received Medallions of Excellence at the National Skill Competition in New Delhi in 2024 were honored by the Chief Minister Dr. Sawant expressed appreciation lo TATA Technologies Limited. Daikin AC Technology Limited, TAJ Cidade Goa Horizon. TAJ Group Goa, Jaquar and Putzmeister for their support. The event also featured virtual connect ion with five Centres of Excellence. where three students trainees thanked Dr. Pramod Sawant for the enhanced opportunities provided through the upgraded ITls, reflecting the commitment of Swayampurna Goa to skill development and local entrepreneurship.