CM Fadnavis Unveils AI-Driven Saksham Skill Census

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday unveiled the coffee table book on the ‘Saksham Skill Census’, an innovative initiative undertaken by the Mumbai Suburban Collectorate to create an AI-enabled hyperlocal skills database.

The initiative aims to strengthen employment, skill development and self-employment opportunities in Mumbai. The launch ceremony was attended by top state leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Mumbai Suburban Guardian Minister Ashish Shelar.

The Saksham Skill Census is the country's first AI-enabled hyperlocal skill census, jointly implemented by the Mumbai Suburban Collectorate and the District Skill Development, Employment and Entrepreneurship Guidance Centre. The initiative seeks to generate comprehensive data on workforce skills to bridge the gap between job seekers, employers and training institutions.

Under the project, authorities surveyed nearly 59,824 households, registering 44,982 candidates, while 1,018 employers and 52 training institutes participated in the exercise. The survey has identified unemployed youth, individuals seeking skill upgradation, aspiring entrepreneurs and homemakers who can be linked to livelihood opportunities through targeted interventions.

The findings revealed that nearly 98 per cent of surveyed citizens lacked formal skill certification, highlighting a significant gap in workforce formalisation and employability. Based on the survey, more than 32,000 candidates will receive personalised career counselling, while over 22,000 individuals are proposed to be connected with market-oriented skill training programmes.

The administration has also initiated efforts to link more than 5,800 unemployed youth with employment opportunities, and over 1,690 candidates have already been contacted directly by employers for interviews and recruitment. The initiative also aims to promote entrepreneurship by providing structured training, mentoring and business advisory services to over 4,000 aspiring entrepreneurs.

Additionally, more than 6,000 homemakers, persons with disabilities and members of other disadvantaged sections are being integrated into formal livelihood, skill development and self-employment programmes. Officials said the initiative has significantly exceeded the district's annual skill and employment target of 800 to 1,000 candidates, with a single pilot ward project alone creating livelihood opportunities for around 22,000 beneficiaries.

The next phase will focus on ward-level job fairs, industry-specific skill training and other initiatives to further strengthen the employment and skill development ecosystem in Mumbai. The Saksham Skill Census is a significant step towards addressing the skills gap in Mumbai's workforce and promoting employment and entrepreneurship opportunities in the city.

The initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the city's economy and society, by providing opportunities for skill development, employment and self-employment. It will also help to bridge the gap between job seekers and employers, and promote entrepreneurship and innovation in the city.

Overall, the Saksham Skill Census is an innovative initiative that has the potential to make a significant difference in the lives of Mumbai's citizens, and contribute to the city's economic growth and development.