Rajkot, Feb 13 (NationPress) In Gujarat, students are acquiring practical skills in tandem with their academic education as part of a comprehensive statewide initiative designed to foster self-reliance. Spearheaded by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, this program aims to support students from classes 9 to 12 by merging vocational training with conventional studies, preparing them for employment and entrepreneurship.

At Shree Chandrasinhji Higher Secondary School located in Rajpara, Kotda Sangani Taluka, Rajkot district, students are gaining hands-on experience in 11 fields, including automobile repair, electrical work, and agriculture.

Narendrasinh Jadeja, a trustee at the school, shared with IANS, 'In vocational training, children learn extensively. We have particularly focused on agriculture since the region is known for farming, and we have also incorporated electrical training.'

A student from the school remarked, 'I am learning about agriculture and farming. I am exploring various aspects such as production and cost efficiency.'

The vocational courses are in alignment with the National Education Policy-2020 and the National Skills Qualification Framework, allowing students to choose subjects that resonate with their interests, including four-wheeler service technician, agriculture, crop cultivation, and floriculture.

These courses are designed to offer approximately 70 percent practical training alongside theoretical lessons.

Students are not only gaining experience in school labs but also learning how to use tools and equipment, effectively blending academic study with practical skill development.

In a bid to expand vocational education throughout the state, the Gujarat government has made significant strides.

As per official statistics, there are currently 558 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), providing opportunities for over 6.5 lakh young individuals through the Mukhyamantri Skill Development Initiative.

This includes specialized ITIs catering to women and individuals with disabilities, as well as offering short-term training in emerging sectors like automation and manufacturing.

Officials have indicated that the integration of academic learning with practical skills diminishes reliance on traditional job markets, allowing youth to secure employment or become self-employed immediately after completing their education.

The initiative is also instrumental in decreasing school dropout rates in rural regions while equipping students with essential skills for self-sufficiency.

Grant-in-aid schools have been supported with infrastructure enhancements to create vocational training labs and classrooms, ensuring that students across Gujarat have access to modern learning environments.

By merging skill development with education, Gujarat’s vocational initiative aspires to prepare students not just for jobs but also for entrepreneurial ventures, thereby cultivating a generation of young citizens equipped to contribute to the state’s economic growth.