PM Modi Launches STEP Program in Maharashtra
PM Modi Launches STEP Program in Maharashtra : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched the Short-Term Employment Program (STEP) in Maharashtra — a groundbreaking initiative designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. With a vision to create a future-ready workforce, the program will benefit 75,000 students in its first year by providing hands-on, industry-focused training aligned with the demands of the modern job market.
Managed by the Department of Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation, STEP represents a major push toward skill development, innovation, and youth empowerment across Maharashtra.
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A Vision for Skill-Based Growth
Under the STEP initiative, approximately 2,506 training units will be established across 419 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and 141 government technical schools. The program aims to train 75,000 students in the first year and 100,000 students in the second, building a sustainable ecosystem of skill development and employment.
Unlike conventional programs, STEP emphasizes a decentralized model of training. Local Institutional Management Committees (IMCs) will play a pivotal role in designing region-specific courses, managing implementation, and ensuring quality. This ensures that training remains relevant to local industries, promoting employment and entrepreneurship within communities.
Focus on Emerging Technologies
The STEP program is future-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the global economy. The government plans to launch 2,500 training batches, including 364 special batches for women and 408 batches dedicated to emerging technologies like:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Electric Vehicles (EVs)
- Solar Energy
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
By integrating these modern fields, STEP prepares Maharashtra’s youth for high-demand, high-growth careers, while encouraging self-employment and innovation.
Courses and Admission Process
Eligibility for STEP training extends to ITI students as well as students pursuing 10th, 12th, diploma, or degree programs. The diverse curriculum includes hands-on courses in:
- Drone Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Green Hydrogen
- Electric Vehicles
- Solar Energy Systems
- Additive Manufacturing
- Mobile Repair & Maintenance
- Social Media Influence and Branding
Admissions will be conducted entirely online through admission.dvet.gov.in. The fee structure ranges from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month, ensuring affordability and accessibility.
Importantly, 25% of seats are reserved for students from existing institutes, while 75% will be open to new applicants — encouraging broader participation from across the state.
Empowering Rural Youth and Women
STEP also focuses on inclusive skill development, ensuring that rural youth, women, and marginalized groups have equal opportunities. By offering special batches for women and setting up dedicated centers in districts like Gadchiroli, Latur, Nagpur, and Amravati, the government aims to promote balanced regional development and women-led growth.
A unique course titled ‘Vedic Sanskar Junior Assistant’ will be launched ahead of the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, blending traditional wisdom with modern education and providing new employment avenues in cultural and heritage management.
Statewide Launch and Community Engagement
The launch of the STEP program is being celebrated across 600 locations in Maharashtra, reflecting the government’s commitment to community participation.
Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced that local artisans, Vishwakarma community experts, and traditional trade professionals will be invited as chief guests to honor India’s rich heritage of craftsmanship and promote respect for traditional skills.
This inclusive approach not only uplifts local artisans but also strengthens the bond between traditional knowledge and modern technology — creating a holistic model for sustainable skill development.
Building a Future-Ready Workforce
The Short-Term Employment Program (STEP) is more than a skill initiative — it’s a transformative movement towards Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
By providing industry-aligned training and encouraging entrepreneurship, the program ensures that Maharashtra’s youth are ready to meet global challenges while contributing to local economic growth.
As industries evolve and technology advances, initiatives like STEP will play a critical role in reshaping India’s employment landscape, boosting innovation, and empowering the next generation of professionals.
Conclusion
With 75,000 students set to benefit in its inaugural year, the STEP program marks a milestone in India’s skill development journey.
By merging education with employment, tradition with technology, and vision with action, Prime Minister Modi’s initiative stands as a powerful step toward empowering youth, energizing industries, and transforming India’s workforce for the future.
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