Gujarat’s Chintan Shibir: Empowering Workforce Through Skill Development and Employment Opportunities | Ahmedabad News

Gandhinagar: In its annual strategic planning conclave called Chintan shibir, the Gujarat govt is set to convene a special session during the three-day conclave focusing on employment. State officials and ministers gather at Somnath for the three-day conclave beginning on Nov 21 and will discuss ways to address the state’s workforce challenges through a multi-pronged approach.
The comprehensive blueprint shared among officials mentions initiatives like targeting digital modernisation, skill development and industry-academia integration. Key highlights include partnerships with leading job portals like LinkedIn and Naukri.com.
Chintan shibirs, a practice that began in 2003, are usually designed to promote new ideas and collective thinking on governance. During these retreats, govt ministers, senior secretaries and other officials engage in discussions on various subjects such as health, nutrition, urbanisation, infrastructure development and education.
“This year, special attention will be given to emerging sectors like renewable energy, electric vehicles, and digital technology, with training programmes designed to prepare the workforce for these future-ready jobs,” says a senior official.
A concept note circulated among senior ministers states, “Mapping industry-specific skills by identifying 15-20 mega industries in Gujarat, such as construction, chemicals, textiles, and ports, and mapping futuristic skillsets for sunrise sectors like solar, renewable energy, green hydrogen and EVs.”
The official adds, “Special initiatives will be launched to increase women’s participation in the workforce, including flexible working hours, safe transport facilities, and skill development programmes specifically designed for women.” A robust framework will be established to assess the quality of training programmes and their effectiveness in providing employment, with regular audits to ensure maintenance of training standards.
Additionally, 100 ITIs will be upgraded as model ITIs with best-in-class infrastructure and resources, addressing infrastructural and resource requirements based on industrial benchmarks and trends. Industries will be encouraged to invest in training and skill development through various state policies offering incentives, subsidies and regulatory relaxations. To enhance rural employment, skill development centres will be established.