PM Modi Stresses Youth Power and Inclusive Skilling at Post-Budget Webinar on Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana

New Delhi, March 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the growing aspirations of India’s youth as the country’s most valuable strength while addressing a post-budget webinar focused on skill development for persons with disabilities. He noted that the enthusiasm and innovative mindset of young people across villages, towns, and cities is shaping the country’s journey toward a more dynamic and innovation-driven economy.

Speaking during the discussion on the Divyangjan Kaushal Yojana, the Prime Minister said that the series of post-budget webinars has emerged as an effective platform for public participation in governance. According to him, these interactions allow experts, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to contribute practical suggestions that help translate the Union Budget’s vision into real outcomes. He also stressed the need to continuously upgrade India’s education system so that young citizens can fully harness their potential and contribute to national development.

Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Virendra Kumar said that empowering the most vulnerable sections of society is a true indicator of a nation’s progress. He pointed out that the skill-development initiative announced in the Union Budget aims to strengthen employment opportunities for persons with disabilities by equipping them with relevant and market-oriented capabilities. He further underlined that meaningful collaboration between government agencies, industry leaders, and civil society organisations will be essential to ensure these training programmes lead to sustainable and dignified employment.

During the deliberations, experts highlighted the need to align skill training for persons with disabilities with real industry requirements. Participants emphasised integrating such training into mainstream education, including STEM learning, and promoting inclusive hiring practices. They also discussed the role of accessible technology, digital learning platforms, entrepreneurship opportunities, and artificial intelligence-enabled remote work in expanding employment possibilities.

The webinar, organised on March 9 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, explored ways to develop a demand-driven and industry-linked skill ecosystem. Special focus was given to expanding training opportunities in rural regions and establishing specialised vocational programmes through Centres of Excellence.

Concluding the session, Additional Secretary of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Manmeet Kaur Nanda, said the discussions highlighted a clear roadmap for inclusive skill development. She noted that the dialogue revolved around five key themes—passion, perseverance, possibilities, potential, and pilot projects—and reflected a shared commitment from government, industry, and social organisations to convert disability-inclusive skilling initiatives into measurable progress and employment outcomes.