Bihar’s Shakti Program Honored at National Level in ASDC Annual Conclave 2024

Chirag Gupta

New Delhi/ Patna: Bihar Skill Development Mission’s “Shakti Program” has been nationally recognized at the Automotive Skill Development Council’s (ASDC) “Annual Conclave 2024.” The event, held at a prestigious hotel in New Delhi, highlighted the program’s impact on skill development in the state for the financial year 2023-24.

The Shakti Program, run under the Sankalp Yojana in collaboration with Patna Municipal Corporation and ASDC, focuses on empowering underprivileged women through skill training. At the conclave, the program received praise from Ramdas Athawale, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, who highlighted the success of the Swachhangini initiative. This initiative provides driving training to women from marginalized sections of society, helping them achieve self-reliance.

According to Deepak Anand, Secretary-cum-Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar Skill Development Mission, 350 women have already completed their driving training under this program. Many of them have received their convocation certificates, and once they obtain driving licenses, they will be offered employment opportunities in Patna Municipal Corporation under the Swachhangini program. This initiative is set to boost both the economic empowerment of women and skill development across the state.

The Bihar Skill Development Mission plans to expand such programs in the future, aiming to involve more women and girls from remote areas. By doing so, they hope to create a significant impact on the state’s economic growth through increased employment and self-employment opportunities for women.

The Shakti Program received strong support from several national organizations, including the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Heavy Industries, National Council of Vocational Education and Training, National Skill Development Corporation, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association, and the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association of India.