While responding to Proposal No. 260 in the State Legislative Council, Cabinet Minister Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha made it clear that strict action will be initiated against students who exploited the system by availing both Scheduled Caste and minority benefits while securing admission to Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). He emphasized that the government is committed to stopping such unfair practices and ensuring justice for sincere and deserving students.
Earlier during a session of the Legislative Council, Hon. Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis had also cited a Supreme Court ruling, which clarified that Scheduled Caste reservation benefits are exclusively reserved for citizens belonging to the Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities. If individuals from other religions have misused this provision, then the validity of their certificates will be revoked, legal action will be taken against the offenders, and the government is preparing to implement more stringent policies on the matter.
A New Direction for Employment, Startups, and Skill Development
Addressing the House, Shri Lodha gave a comprehensive overview of the state government’s initiatives aimed at employment generation, promotion of startups, and advancement in skill development. He shared that under the guidance of Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, a transformative decision has been made to modernize ITIs through the implementation of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This initiative will help bring about infrastructural upgrades, modern amenities, technological resources, and overall educational improvements within ITIs. As a result, students will have access to high-quality learning, updated curricula, and greater opportunities in both employment and entrepreneurship.
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He also stated that efforts are underway to grant diploma-equivalent status to ITI courses.
Shri Lodha further remarked that the government aims to support nearly five lakh students in becoming self-employed. To better prepare them for launching startups, targeted training will be provided to help them gain hands-on experience in relevant sectors. Furthermore, plans are in motion to develop a world-class 'Innovation City' near Mumbai, which will serve as a hub for startups and businesses. Incubation centers will be established in every ITI to offer technical assistance and mentorship to students. Recognizing the importance of well-trained faculty, he mentioned the upcoming construction of a dedicated facility in Aundh under the 'Train the Teachers' initiative.
Shri Lodha also appealed to industrialists across Maharashtra to channel their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds into local development projects, particularly those benefiting local youth by creating employment and business opportunities. Expressing confidence in the government’s vision, he stated, “In the coming five years, not a single student in Maharashtra will be left without employment or without the opportunity to pursue self-employment."
