Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath claimed that, “Skilled youth are the backbone of a self-reliant India, and the double-engine government is committed to providing jobs and self-employment opportunities.”
The CM inaugurated a two-day Skill Fair and Exhibition here on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day on Tuesday. The event showcased the talents of youth from all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh who are undergoing training at various skill development centers across the state. Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi extended his best wishes to the youth on World Youth Skills Day and emphasized the importance of equipping them with cutting-edge skills such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy.
The Chief Minister highlighted that Uttar Pradesh, being the most populous state in the country with a working-age population comprising 56 to 60 percent of its 25 crore residents, holds immense potential. The state government, he said, is making continuous efforts to match youth talent with suitable employment opportunities. He lauded the participation of public representatives, industry leaders, and trainees who are shaping the future of a skilled Uttar Pradesh.
CM Yogi noted that this year’s theme — “Youth Empowerment through AI and Digital Skills” is particularly significant for the state, as it aligns with the government’s broader vision of steering the youth toward a tech-driven future.
He added, “In the last eight years, Uttar Pradesh has revived many traditional enterprises and has taken decisive steps to transform scale into skill. As part of this digital empowerment mission, the state is distributing smartphones and tablets to 2 crore youth, with 50 lakh beneficiaries already reached. Additionally, in partnership with Tata Technologies, 150 government-run Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been upgraded with modern technologies to ensure industry-relevant training.”
He said, “Uttar Pradesh currently has around 400 government and 3,000 private ITIs, where skill development training is offered at minimal cost. Students enrolled in private ITIs also receive scholarships and various incentives.” “Every young person deserves access to training and employment that reflects their talents and aspirations,” the Chief Minister emphasized, reaffirming the government’s core objective.
Speaking about the state’s investment-driven growth, CM Yogi highlighted that over the past eight years, enhanced law and order and investor-friendly policies have resulted in the implementation of investment proposals worth more than Rs 15 lakh crore.
He emphasized the importance of synergy between industries and educational institutions to ensure that training programs align with market demands. Referring to the CM Yuva Scheme, the Chief Minister stated that youth with skill development, ITI, polytechnic, or academic degrees are being offered interest-free loans up to Rs 5 lakh. Launched on January 24 this year, the scheme has already benefited over 50,000 youth.
Under this initiative, only the principal amount needs to be paid by the beneficiaries, while the government covers the interest. An additional loan facility of up to Rs 7.5 lakh will also be made available for scaling up.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the state government’s efforts in reviving traditional industries through flagship schemes like One District One Product (ODOP) and Mukhyamantri Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana. He shared that under ODOP, over 1.5 crore people have gained employment, while more than one lakh artisans and craftsmen have received training and toolkits under the Vishwakarma Yojana. These initiatives, he said, have significantly strengthened the rural economy and brought dignity and income to traditional occupations.
CM Yogi also lauded the inspiring success stories of skilled youth honored during the event. He pointed out that many of them were left directionless after completing formal education, but skill development transformed their lives. Today, these individuals are earning between Rs 25,000 and Rs 1,00,000 per month. He encouraged the youth not to lose hope or succumb to despair, saying, “Frustration leads nowhere. With proper training and determination, anyone can script their own success story.”