70 ITIs in Maharashtra to teach Solar Technician and EV Mechanic courses: Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha
The ministry's Directorate-General of Training has also approved a plan to establish a Government Advanced ITI at Chembur, Mumbai, for the empowerment and uplift of Scheduled Caste and Neo-Buddhist communities, the minister said in a statement.
This institution will offer courses like Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician, Electrician, Wireman, IoT Technician (Smart City), and Electric Mechanic starting from the academic year 2025-26.
Lodha said the modern curriculum updates in line with changing times would enhance employment opportunities and revolutionise ITI education in the state. The 70 selected government-run ITIs will teach the two new courses now, Lodha said, adding that further approvals would be given to institutions that request them.
Lodha said the state government was focusing on environmentally sustainable initiatives. He added that given the growing demand for solar energy-related technologies, skilled technicians were increasingly needed in the field.
Senior scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar and MITRA CEO Praveen Pardeshi provided valuable guidance and recommendations for updating ITI curricula, according to the government statement.
Lodha emphasised that the goal of the skill development department is to provide students with education that is aligned with industry demands and to generate a highly skilled workforce.
According to the statement, the Government is trying to upgrade 36 district-level ITIs across the state in collaboration with private industries. These collaborations aim to enhance training quality and infrastructure, create more employment opportunities annually, and align new skill-based courses with the National Education Policy.
The focus remains on launching in-demand, industry-relevant courses, and expanding opportunities for employment through skill exhibitions and career guidance camps, according to the statement.
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