MSDE Concludes JSS Zonal Conference in Pune, Reaffirms Focus on Livelihood-Based Skilling
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) concluded the Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Zonal Conference-cum-Stakeholder Consultation and Progress Review Workshop at Symbiosis Skill & Professional University, Pune, after two days of deliberations aimed at strengthening community-driven skilling and sustainable livelihoods.
The conference, organised by MSDE, brought together representatives from 152 Jan Shikshan Sansthans across 11 States and Union Territories. Participants included senior MSDE officials, the Directorate of Jan Shikshan Sansthan, NIESBUD representatives, academic partners and JSS practitioners.
Chaired by Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, and Shri Nirajan Kumar Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, MSDE, the discussions focused on employability, entrepreneurship and improving livelihood outcomes for last-mile beneficiaries.
Ms. Debashree Mukherjee said, “Jan Shikshan Sansthans are central to inclusive skilling in India. Our focus is to move from training to real outcomes by strengthening alumni connect, aligning skills with market demand, and supporting entrepreneurship through finance and market linkages. By modernising traditional skills and scaling success stories, we aim to ensure that grassroots skilling leads to sustainable livelihoods, dignity and empowerment for women and marginalised communities.”
Experts from NIESBUD and faculty from Symbiosis Skill & Professional University conducted sessions on employability and entrepreneurship development. Dr. Poonam Sinha, Director General, NIESBUD, and Dr. Swati Majumdar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, emphasised learner-centric skilling and enterprise-oriented training approaches.
Financial inclusion was addressed through a dedicated session with Central Bank of India and NIESBUD experts, focusing on credit access, bank linkages and financial literacy for JSS beneficiaries.
The programme also included discussions on AI-enabled skilling delivery, governance reforms, SIDH portal compliance, strengthening Livelihood Cells, and improving branding and market access for JSS products.
A JSS exhibition displayed products created by beneficiaries from across regions, highlighting local crafts and grassroots skills. The Secretary, MSDE, visited the Skill Labs at Symbiosis Skill & Professional University to review modern vocational training facilities.
Stakeholder consultations reviewed the physical and financial progress of JSSs during the current financial year and addressed challenges related to training quality, employability outcomes, governance and market linkages.
The JSS Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme implemented through NGOs, targets non-literate individuals, school dropouts and marginalised communities, with special emphasis on women, SCs, STs and minorities. Over 34 lakh beneficiaries have been trained under the scheme as of December 2025.
The conference concluded with a commitment to strengthening JSSs as key institutions for inclusive skilling and livelihood creation.
