Skilled Manpower to Boost Industrial Growth in Uttar Pradesh
On the final day of the Uttar Pradesh International Trade Expo (UPITEX) 2026, held from January 23 to 27 at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, discussions focused on making youth in Uttar Pradesh skilled and job-ready. Visitors to the expo also gained insights into a variety of products from Madhya Pradesh and enjoyed delicious cuisines from different states. According to the organizers, more than 150,000 visitors attended the expo this year, generating business inquiries worth approximately ?425 crore.
On the last day of the expo, a conference was organized on the theme “Skilling Uttar Pradesh for Global Competitiveness.” The conference was attended by Dr. Hari Om, IAS, Principal Secretary, Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Mr. Pulkit Khare, IAS, Mission Director, UPSDM, Government of Uttar Pradesh; Mrs. Priya Singh, PCS, Additional Mission Director, UPSDM; Mr. Mayank Gangwar, Joint Director, Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM); Mr. Ajay Jain, Managing Director, Microlit; Mrs. Kavita Nigam, Chief Human Resources Officer, Karam Safety Private Limited; Dr. Lata Bajpai Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Management Studies and Assistant Coordinator, University Placement Cell, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow; and Mr. Kaushik Phuloria, Deputy Resident Director, PHDCCI UP State Chapter.
Dr. Hari Om said that India is steadily moving towards becoming a major global economy. However, development has not kept pace with the rapid growth in population. He emphasized that Indian youth must question why, despite being such a large economy, the country still falls under the category of developing nations. With the growing youth workforce, he said, this demographic can significantly contribute to national development. He stressed that young people must think about how India can become a developed nation. To succeed in their chosen livelihood, youth must be better than others, and for this, skills are most essential. He added that while the government is preparing skilled manpower, industries must also realize that without skilled manpower, industries risk shutting down. To prevent this, industries can provide training to youth at their own workplaces with government support, with the training cost borne by the government. He further stated that knowledge alone is not sufficient to progress in one’s career; possessing specific skills is essential. A strong burning desire within oneself is also necessary to improve one’s life.
UPSDM Mission Director Mr. Pulkit Khare said that the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission provides both online and offline training, completely free of cost. Under this initiative, youth can choose courses of their interest to make themselves skilled. After completing the course, the government provides certificates, which enable youth to participate in job fairs. He added that the courses are designed keeping industry requirements in mind. Skilling is a system that keeps any sector alive. Industries can become industrial training partners with the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission, and the mission reimburses industries for training costs, provided that at least 80 percent of the trained candidates are placed. He advised youth to strengthen their soft skills and also learn how to use AI in their respective fields.
Mrs. Kavita Nigam advised students from various colleges that industries will offer jobs only to those who acquire the skills required by them. She encouraged students to prepare themselves according to industry needs.
Products from MSME, Government of Madhya Pradesh
Visitors at the expo relished Awadhi delicacies ranging from seekh kebabs to korma and nihari. Rajasthani dishes such as dal baati churma and Jodhpuri mirch vada also attracted visitors. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government is actively promoting millets and millet-based businesses under the MSME sector. Santosh Choubey, owner of Raman Greens from Bhopal, said that they produce 23 varieties of millet cookies, along with snacks such as millet toast, puffs, and pasta. Rishit Agrawal, founder of Bananify from Indore, said they showcased raw banana powder, which is beneficial for people of all age groups and can be used in baby food as well as dishes like kheer.
