The Government has approved and initiated preparations for the state’s first ever Skill Census, aimed at mapping the educational qualifications and vocational abilities of its youth to better align their skills with industry requirements. The initiative seeks to boost employment opportunities and strengthen the state’s workforce planning.
Our correspondent reports that the State Skill Development Committee has begun preparing a detailed project plan for the rollout of the Skill Census. Officials are in the process of engaging a professional agency to design and execute the data collection framework. The census will gather information on residents aged 15 to 59 years, covering their education levels, technical training, and professional experience, alongside their employment preferences and aspirations.
Our correspondent adds that the census will also seek feedback from industry bodies and businesses to identify gaps between available skills and market demand. Based on the data, the government will frame new training modules and targeted courses to meet specific industry needs.
Each participant in the Skill Census will be assigned a unique Skill ID, a digital identifier that will record their qualifications, certifications, and work experience. This Skill ID will serve as a central reference to connect job seekers with available employment and training programmes across the state. Officials said that the initiative will also facilitate better coordination between government departments, employers, and educational institutions.
The Skill Census is being launched at a crucial time when the demand for employment and self-employment, particularly in hill districts and rural regions, is on the rise. The data collected will help design district-wise vocational programmes in high-demand sectors such as tourism, agro-processing, renewable energy, healthcare, and digital services.
Our correspondent reports that the government plans to establish a real-time skill monitoring dashboard, which will track training outcomes and the employability status of participants. This digital platform will also help employers access a verified database of skilled candidates.
Officials noted that the Skill Census represents a major step towards evidence-based policy planning in Uttarakhand. By mapping existing capabilities and identifying skill shortages, the initiative will help bridge the gap between education and employment. It is expected to significantly improve job placement outcomes and provide a foundation for future government training and entrepreneurship schemes.
Our correspondent adds that special focus will be placed on women, youth from remote hill regions, and migrant returnees. Tailored training modules and placement assistance will be introduced for these groups to encourage self-reliance and sustainable livelihoods.
The Skill Census, once implemented, is set to become a cornerstone of Uttarakhand’s development strategy, ensuring that the state’s youth are equipped for both local and national employment opportunities.
