The Maharashtra government will expedite the implementation of the “DAKSH” (Development under Applied Knowledge and Skills for Human Development in Maharashtra) project, initiated with assistance from the World Bank to strengthen the Skill Development Department. This assurance was given by Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to the World Bank representatives.
A meeting was held at the Chief Secretary’s chamber in Mantralay to discuss the “DAKSH” project with World Bank representatives. Present at the meeting were Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik, Secretary of the Skill Development Department Ganesh Patil, World Bank’s India Team Lead Pradyumna Bhattacharya, and Senior Education Specialist Denis Nikolov.
Minister Lodha stated that the “DAKSH” project would bring coordination among various organizations under the Skill Development Department, such as the Maharashtra State Innovation Society, the State Skill Development Society, the State Skill Directorate, the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training, and the Maharashtra State Skill University. The initiative aims to develop globally competitive skilled manpower by introducing modern, relevant skill-based courses. The project will focus on empowering women and individuals from all sections of society to acquire skills aligned with the demands of the times. Following Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s guidance to emphasize innovation and skill development, discussions were held on developing world-class skill centers and establishing Innovation City. Minister Lodha also discussed updating the Skill Development Department’s website, approving 45 personnel for the “DAKSH” project implementation unit, and ensuring inter-departmental coordination for the project’s success.
Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik stated that the government is committed to modernizing skill development to meet industry demands through coordinated efforts across departments. Efforts will be made to expedite all decisions related to this project to ensure its smooth implementation.
World Bank’s India Team Lead, Pradyumna Bhattacharya, expressed confidence that the “DAKSH” project would emerge as one of the finest skill development initiatives in the country. He emphasized that the project aims to prepare skilled manpower by providing education aligned with industry demands, ensuring that even the most marginalized sections of society benefit. He highlighted the need for active participation from all stakeholders involved in the Skill Development Department and the project.
