Patna: Bihar’s Labour Resources Department secretary, Deepak Anand, said on Wednesday that skill development in the water and sanitation sector is opening new opportunities for employment and green jobs. Speaking at a workshop organised jointly by the Bihar Skill Development Mission (BSDM) and UNICEF, Anand noted that government campaigns such as Seven Nischay, Har Ghar Nal Ka Jal and Swachh Bharat Mission have already led to concrete gains in health and sanitation.
“Improvement in water and sanitation not only enhances health but also ensures economic prospects and the safety and dignity of women,” Anand said. He added that BSDM is running programmes to train young people, especially rural women and girls, in vocational skills linked to sanitation.
Margaret Gwada, UNICEF’s chief regional officer in Bihar, said the state’s greatest strength lies in its youth population, and if trained in water, sanitation and hygiene, they could set an example for the country.
The workshop, held at Hotel Chanakya, was attended by officials from various departments including public health, rural development and social welfare, alongside representatives of Jeevika and other partner organisations. A panel discussion emphasised the importance of both technical skills, such as plumbing and masonry, and managerial skills for maintaining infrastructure and financial systems.
Speakers underlined that training must be connected to real employment opportunities to ensure sustainable livelihoods. The role of the private sector, along with BSDM and the Industry Department, was highlighted as crucial to linking skills with jobs and long-term economic empowerment.
Manish Shankar, mission director of BSDM, thanked participants and experts for their contributions, stressing that success depends on the active involvement of all sections of society, from policy-making to implementation.
