How Ganesh Completely Transformed His Life with Skill India Mission

Ganesh More: From Struggle to Skilled Employment

Born into a struggling farming family in Alibaug, Maharashtra, Ganesh More faced overwhelming financial hardships. His father, a farm laborer, earned a meager ₹5,000 per month, barely enough to support the family. With limited resources, Ganesh had no choice but to abandon his dreams of higher education and work in a small hotel to contribute to the household income.

However, without formal training or employable skills, securing a stable job remained a challenge—until he discovered the Skill India Mission. Determined to change his future, Ganesh enrolled in a plumbing training program at the Panvel Pratham Plumbing Training Centre, supported by Voltas, the Indian Plumbing Skills Council (IPSC), and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Through rigorous hands-on training, he gained technical expertise and developed the confidence needed to succeed in the industry. Upon completing the program, Ganesh secured a well-paying job as a plumber, earning a steady income that not only lifted his family out of financial distress but also allowed him to plan for a brighter future. His story is a testament to how vocational training can break the cycle of poverty and create long-term economic stability.

Empowering India Through Vocational Training

Vocational training has recently emerged as a powerful instrument of change, interlacing the gap between education and employment. With millions of young individuals entering the labor pool every year, equipping them with industry-relevant skills is crucial for economic growth and personal empowerment. Recognizing this, the Indian government has significantly expanded its investment in vocational education. Programs like the Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), along with efforts by non-profits and private enterprises, have created new avenues for employment and financial independence.

In a country most diverse as India, these initiatives have helped transform the lives of millions, including individuals like Ganesh More and Rahul Mal, whose stories exemplify the life-changing potential of skill development.

Rahul Mal: The Role of Education in Skill Development

Rahul Mal, a 12-year-old from West Bengal’s Bankura district, faced a different struggle. The son of migrant laborers, Rahul’s education was often disrupted by his responsibilities at home. By the age of 12, he had dropped out of school, unable to continue beyond Grade 5.

His journey took a turn when Pratham, a non-profit organization committed to improving education and skill development, intervened through its “Hamara Gaon” initiative. The organization worked closely with Rahul’s parents and community members to re-enroll him in school in January 2024.

Alongside his formal education, Rahul joined Pratham’s children’s club, where he received personalized support to improve his reading, math skills, and self-confidence. By fostering a love for learning, Pratham ensured that Rahul—and many others like him—would be better prepared to pursue vocational training and long-term employment in the future.

Though Rahul's story primarily focuses on education, it highlights an essential truth: vocational training thrives when built on a strong educational foundation. Programs like Pratham’s not only help children stay in school but also prepare them for a future where skill-based employment plays an increasingly vital role.

India’s Commitment to Vocational Training: A National Priority

India’s investment in vocational training has increased exponentially over the last decade. The Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, has trained over 40 million people across various industries, including construction, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing.

Key Initiatives Driving Growth:

1. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) – A flagship program offering free skill training, certification, and job placement support.
2. National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) – Encourages industry participation in skill development through financial incentives.
3. Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) – Focuses on skill training in rural areas to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship.
4. State Skill Development Missions (SSDMs) – State-led efforts to tailor training programs according to regional industry demands.

How Much Has Vocational Training Improved?

By 2023, India had trained over 30 million individuals, strengthening its skilled workforce through 11,000+ training centers across the country. The government’s investment in vocational education was evident, with ₹4,500 crore allocated in 2022, primarily dispersed through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). To ensure industry alignment, 38 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) were established, guiding training programs in diverse fields. However, challenges persist—while PMKVY 2.0 achieved a 15-20% placement rate, dropout rates in some states reached up to 40%, highlighting the need for improved retention strategies and stronger industry linkages.

What lies in the future?

The journeys of Ganesh More and Rahul Mal highlight the transformative power of vocational training. Whether it’s providing a direct path to employment or laying the groundwork for future skill development, these initiatives are changing lives and shaping India’s economic landscape.

With the government’s increasing investment and organizations like NSDC, PMKVY, and Pratham driving impactful programs, India is well on its way to becoming a global leader in skill-based employment. The future belongs to those who embrace skill development, and with the right opportunities, every individual has the potential to achieve success and self-reliance.

Vocational training isn’t just about jobs—it’s about dignity, self-sufficiency, and nation-building. As India continues to invest in its people, stories like Ganesh’s and Rahul’s remind us that education and skills are the true engines of progress.