The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has concluded the two-day Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) Zonal Conference-cum-Stakeholder Consultation and Progress Review Workshop in Pune, reaffirming the government’s focus on inclusive, community-driven skilling and sustainable livelihood creation for last-mile populations.

Held at Symbiosis Skill & Professional University, the conference saw participation from 152 Jan Shikshan Sansthans across 11 states and Union Territories. The event brought together JSS practitioners, senior MSDE officials, representatives from the Directorate of Jan Shikshan Sansthan, the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) and academic partners to assess progress, discuss systemic improvements and strengthen institutional capacity within the JSS ecosystem.

The conference was chaired by Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, along with Nirajan Kumar Sudhanshu, Additional Secretary, MSDE, and other senior officials. Discussions focused on enhancing employability, entrepreneurship and livelihood outcomes through more outcome-oriented skilling models.

Addressing the gathering, 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.”

Expert-led sessions on employability and entrepreneurship were conducted by NIESBUD and faculty from Symbiosis Skill & Professional University. Dr Poonam Sinha, Director General, NIESBUD, and Dr Swati Majumdar, Pro Chancellor, Symbiosis Skill & Professional University, highlighted the need for learner-centric skilling, work readiness and enterprise-oriented thinking at the grassroots.

A dedicated session on financial and credit linkages, with experts from Central Bank of India and NIESBUD, underscored the importance of financial literacy, stronger bank partnerships and structured support systems. Additional discussions covered the use of artificial intelligence and digital tools in training delivery, governance reforms, SIDH portal compliance, strengthening Livelihood Cells and improving branding and market access for JSS products.

An exhibition showcasing products developed by JSS beneficiaries highlighted best practices and the diversity of grassroots skills nurtured under the scheme. Stakeholder consultations concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening Jan Shikshan Sansthans as last-mile skilling institutions, ensuring that skills translate into sustainable income, dignity and inclusive growth.