Gandhinagar: To provide skilled manpower to various industries in the state and to train youth in emerging technologies across different fields so that they can pursue self‑employment, a total of 556 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) are currently functioning in Gujarat, the state government announced today. According to the official statement, various vocational training facilities are offered in these ITIs, covering over 2.17 lakh seats. A total of 132 courses are conducted at these institutions — 79 at the national level and 53 at the state level — which include engineering and non‑engineering courses such as IoT, Drone Pilot, and Solar Technician, tailored to meet current industry demands.

The press note further stated that the state government provides several facilities to trainees studying in ITIs. For instance, candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Divyang (persons with disabilities), and female candidates are fully exempted from tuition fees, while other candidates are required to pay only Rs. 100 per month. Additionally, trainees receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 500, subject to 80% average attendance and an income limit. Under the ‘Vidyasadhna Sahay Yojana’, women trainees are also provided with bicycles, depending on the annual income limit of their parents.

In addition, trainees benefit from facilities such as the free ST Bus Pass Scheme, insurance coverage of up to Rs. 4 lakh under the Gujarat Group Accident Insurance Scheme, hostel facilities, bankable loan assistance schemes, and free raw materials for practical training. Moreover, during the summer vacation period, around 1 lakh students studying in Class 8 or above are also offered summer skill workshop training at government ITIs.

Currently, as industrialization continues to expand across various sectors in the country, many international companies are establishing industries in Gujarat and other parts of India. As a result, more promising opportunities are becoming available to youth who have acquired professional skills through vocational education, whether for employment or self‑employment.

It is noteworthy that, with the aim of preparing skilled manpower to enhance the productivity and quality of various industries and service sectors, the ‘Karigar Training Scheme’ has been implemented by the Directorate General of Training under the Central Government. Under this scheme, two main types of trade courses are conducted: those certified by the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and those certified by the Gujarat Council for Vocational Training (GCVT). These courses are offered through Government ITIs, Grant‑in‑Aid Industrial Training Centers (GIA), Self‑financed Industrial Training Institutes (SF), Government Technical High Schools, and other affiliated institutions. DeshGujarat