In a bid to strengthen the linkage between formal schooling and employable skills, the Uttar Pradesh government has launched Project Praveen — a vocational skill-training initiative for students in secondary and higher secondary schools (Classes 9 to 12). Rolled out under the aegis of the Kaushal Vikas Mission and in collaboration with the state’s Department of Secondary Education, this project aims to integrate employment-oriented training modules into regular school timetables during 2025–26. The objective is to make students more “job ready,” enable self-reliance, and reduce the gap between education and industry needs.
Key Features of Project Praveen (Uttar Pradesh)
- Aim: To provide vocational and employment-oriented skill training to school students (Classes 9–12) under the UP Kaushal Vikas Mission.
- Coverage: Initially 315 schools; now expanding to 650 schools across the state in 2025–26.
- Target: Train 1 lakh students in one academic year.
- Training Duration: Around 90 minutes daily alongside regular school classes.
- Sectors Covered: IT, Electronics, Retail, Apparel, Automobile, Healthcare, ODOP, Power, Media, Beauty & Wellness.
- Certification: Students receive NCVET-recognized certificates after completing the course.
- Trainers: Qualified experts from Skill Development Mission-approved training partners.
- Goal: To make youth job-ready, self-reliant, and aligned with NEP 2020 skill education vision.
Benefits, Challenges & Considerations
Expected Benefits
- Bridge gap between academic theory and real-world skills, making students more employable even if they discontinue formal studies (e.g., after Class 10 or 12).
- Early exposure to career fields: allows students to experiment in technical / vocational trades while still in school.
- Promote self-reliance and livelihood opportunities in semi-urban and rural areas.
- Synergy with NEP 2020: aligns with the push for vocational education as part of mainstream schooling.
Challenges & Risks
- Ensuring quality of trainers— certified, motivated, technically proficient.
- Maintaining infrastructure (labs, equipment, materials) in all selected schools.
- Sustaining funding, monitoring, and accountability over large scale.
- Ensuring equitable access for girls, marginalized students, students in remote areas.
- Coordination and alignment across multiple departments (education, skill mission, district admin).
- Tracking outcomes & placements— how many students benefit meaningfully in jobs.
Conclusion
Project Praveen represents a promising effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to embed vocational skills training within the schooling system. By targeting students at the secondary / higher secondary level and offering 90-minute daily modules in industry-relevant trades, the project seeks to build a more skilled, employable youth force and reduce the disconnect between schooling and job markets. Its phased rollout—from pilot to statewide expansion—and proposed extension into higher education reflect the government’s ambition. The success of the scheme, however, will depend on maintaining high quality training, administering infrastructure effectively, monitoring performance, and ensuring that certifications truly translate into job opportunities or further skills advancement.
FAQs
1. What is Project Praveen?
Ans: A state government initiative to introduce vocational skill training in UP’s secondary and higher secondary schools.
2. Who will get training?
Ans: Students from Class 9 to 12 in government and aided secondary schools.
3. How long is the training?
Ans: Each student undergoes about 90 minutes of skill sessions daily during school hours.
4. What kind of skills will be taught?
Ans: Training covers IT, retail, healthcare, beauty, automobile, media, ODOP, and other local industries.
5. What certification will students receive?
Ans: They will get NCVET-approved certificates, valid for jobs and higher vocational studies.
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