Skill-Based Education Essential for Creating Future-Ready Youth, Says Maharashtra Education Commissioner

Maharashtra Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh calls for stronger skill-based education, vocational learning and industry exposure in schools to build employable and future-ready youth.

Pune, June 2026: Maharashtra Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh has emphasized the urgent need to move beyond traditional academic learning and strengthen skill-based education in schools to prepare students for employment, entrepreneurship and future workplace demands.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary celebration of Lend A Hand India (LAHI) in Pune, Singh said that schools must equip students with practical, vocational and problem-solving skills from an early stage. He noted that academic degrees alone are no longer sufficient to guarantee employment in a rapidly changing job market shaped by technology, industry transformation and evolving skill requirements.

According to Singh, India’s education system must respond to the needs of the future workforce by integrating experiential learning, workplace exposure and applied knowledge into mainstream schooling. He said that students should not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also gain hands-on experience that helps them understand real-world challenges.

The event was held at the Pune International Centre in Pashan and brought together policymakers, educationists, industry representatives, development-sector professionals, students and alumni. The discussions focused on the importance of vocational education, industry collaboration and practical learning in building an employable generation.

Need for Industry Exposure in School Education

Addressing the gathering, Singh highlighted that experiential learning is becoming increasingly important in education. He said the state government is exploring ways to strengthen industry exposure for students and improve linkages between schools, government agencies and employers.

He also stressed that stronger collaboration between educational institutions and industry is necessary to bridge the gap between classroom learning and employability. Such partnerships, he said, can help students develop relevant skills, confidence and readiness for the world of work.

Lend A Hand India Marks 20 Years of Skill-Based Education Work

Founded in 2006, Lend A Hand India has emerged as one of India’s leading organisations working to promote vocational education in schools. Over the past two decades, the organisation has worked across more than 20 states and reached nearly 2.3 million students through programmes focused on vocational training, entrepreneurship and applied learning.

At the anniversary event, LAHI showcased a model skill lab where guests experienced hands-on learning activities that form part of the organisation’s school-based programmes. Exhibits highlighting LAHI’s journey, milestones and partnerships over the past 20 years were also displayed.

A fireside conversation with students and alumni formed an important part of the programme. Participants shared how vocational education had helped them gain confidence, technical competencies and clarity about future academic and career pathways.

Technology and Future Workforce Readiness

Industrialist Prataprao Pawar also addressed the gathering and highlighted the growing role of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, in education and workforce development. He said that educational institutions must adapt quickly to prepare students for emerging opportunities in a technology-driven economy.

Pawar said India’s demographic advantage can become meaningful only when young people are equipped with relevant skills. He added that education should encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and adaptability rather than focusing only on conventional career paths.

Skill-Based Education Now a Mainstream Priority

LAHI co-founder Sunanda Mane reflected on the organisation’s journey from a small initiative to a national movement. She said that when LAHI began its work 20 years ago, the idea of introducing vocational learning within mainstream schools was still uncommon.

Today, she noted, skill-based education is no longer seen as an alternative pathway. It is increasingly being recognised as an essential part of quality education and a strong route to employment and entrepreneurship.

The event also saw the release of a coffee-table book documenting LAHI’s 20-year journey, impact and partnerships.

SkillCouncils.com View

As India aims to build a globally competitive and future-ready workforce, the integration of skill-based education into mainstream schooling is becoming increasingly important. Vocational learning, practical exposure, entrepreneurship education and industry-linked training can help students become more employable and adaptable in a fast-changing economy.

The message from the Pune event was clear: the future of education must be linked with skills, innovation and real-world readiness.

Skill Development, Vocational Education, School Education, Future Ready Youth, Employability, Maharashtra Education, Experiential Learning, Lend A Hand India, Workforce Development, Skill India

Skill-based education, vocational education, future-ready youth, Maharashtra Education Commissioner, Lend A Hand India, employability skills, experiential learning, school education, workforce development, skill development in India