The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will organise a two-day Jan Shikshan Sansthan Zonal Conference-cum-Stakeholder Consultation and Progress Review Workshop on January 19–20, 2026, at Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune.
The Conference will see participation from representatives of 152 Jan Shikshan Sansthans across 11 States and Union Territories, along with officials from the Ministry, the Directorate of Jan Shikshan Sansthan, the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, and other stakeholders.
The Jan Shikshan Sansthan Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme implemented through non-governmental organisations, focuses on non-formal vocational training for non-literate individuals, neo-literates, school dropouts, and marginalised communities. With special emphasis on women and disadvantaged groups, the Scheme currently operates through 294 JSSs across 26 States and 7 Union Territories, offering training in 51 NSQF-aligned courses.
As of December 31, 2025, over 34 lakh beneficiaries have been trained under the Scheme, including 28.3 lakh women. Training is delivered largely through doorstep-level sub-centres in aspirational districts, tribal areas, left-wing extremism affected regions, and remote and border locations.
The Pune Conference will focus on reviewing FY 2025–26 progress, strengthening institutional capacities, identifying emerging skill areas such as artificial intelligence and digital tools, and facilitating stakeholder consultations. The programme will include thematic sessions, an exposure visit, a product exhibition, and a Valedictory Session to consolidate recommendations for strengthening the Scheme.
