STRIVE Initiative Strengthens India’s ITI Ecosystem, Boosts Female Participation and Learning Outcomes

New Delhi, December 13, 2024 – The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) showcased the achievements of its STRIVE (Skills Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement) initiative during an event at Kaushal Bhawan. The program, supported by the World Bank, has significantly enhanced India’s Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) by improving infrastructure, learning outcomes, and inclusivity across the vocational training ecosystem.

Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary, MSDE, highlighted the initiative’s successes, noting a 92% fund utilization rate and increased ITI enrolments. A key milestone was the rise in female participation in vocational training from 12% in 2017-18 to 20% in 2022-23, reflecting a significant step toward inclusivity.

“STRIVE has contributed to improving the ITI system by addressing infrastructure gaps, enhancing training quality, and fostering industry collaboration,” Shri Tiwari said. He also praised State Governments for their role in implementing key reforms, including reducing trainer vacancies in 15 States and establishing career progression policies for trainers in nine States.

The initiative prioritized capacity-building programs for ITI trainers to strengthen teaching methodologies and promote better learning outcomes. It also enhanced on-the-job training (OJT) tracking, achieving a 35% compliance rate, and encouraged partnerships with industries to expand apprenticeship opportunities.

During the event, State representatives shared success stories and challenges. Officials from Odisha underscored the demand for candidates with NTC+ certifications, while Karnataka emphasized the need to address cultural barriers to improve female participation in vocational education.

A compendium highlighting STRIVE’s achievements and innovative practices was launched at the workshop, which brought together government officials, ITI representatives, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the initiative’s impact and future strategies.

Shri Tiwari noted that STRIVE’s outcomes will serve as a foundation for new schemes, including the proposed hub-and-spoke model for revitalizing ITIs. “The STRIVE project has identified areas for further improvement, and the budget announcements reflect the government’s focus on strengthening the vocational training ecosystem,” he added.

The STRIVE initiative has established a robust framework for collaboration between government bodies, training institutions, and industries, ensuring India’s workforce is equipped to meet evolving industrial demands. By improving inclusivity, enhancing learning outcomes, and addressing systemic gaps, STRIVE has laid the groundwork for a more skilled and capable workforce.