Vinod M Jain
*Target: One Trillion dollar economy by 2032.
*Subroto Bagchi appointed as Chairman of the Skill Development Vision Group.
*Govt. Aims to Train 7 Lakh individuals over Seven years.
“In life, one needs both ‘Rajayoga’ and skills.Along with an academic degree,skills are of paramount importance. Skills should pave the way for employment, income, and respect,”stated CM D K Shivakumar.
He was speaking while participating in the ‘Bengaluru Skill Summit-2026’ held on Wednesday.
“Skills are, in themselves, a ‘Dharma’.While a degree opens the door to knowledge, skills reveal the path to success.
Talent may emerge from formal education, but skills are forged through hard work.If we equip the youth of today with skills, the future of Karnataka will rest in their hands.Those who prepare today for the future are the ones who shape it,”he remarked.
“We have resolved to prepare our youth today for the opportunities of tomorrow.Education provides knowledge,while skills transform that knowledge into opportunities, income, and respect,”he added.
Targeting one Trillion Dollar Economy by 2032 :
“Karnataka is moving towards the goal of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2032.
However, capital alone cannot build this future.A skilled human resource base is essential to achieve it,”he stated.
“The entire world is looking towards Bengaluru.Our state is a land of talent, a sentiment echoed by many, including Prime Minister Modi.
There are 1.3 million IT professionals working in the ‘Silicon Valley’and a total of 2.6 million people employed in Bengaluru.
This is Karnataka’s strength.Global leaders visit Bengaluru first before travelling elsewhere,”he remarked.
“Karnataka is producing 13,940 doctors, placing us well ahead of many other nations in the medical field.
Furthermore, 65% of Karnataka’s population is under the age of 35. While this youthful demographic is an advantage, it also represents our greatest responsibility,” he added.
“Our goal is not merely to produce job seekers. We aim to cultivate entrepreneurs, architects of the future, and young people capable of competing on a global stage.
Currently, around 550 Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are operational in Karnataka.
By 2029, we target the establishment of approximately 500 new centers and the creation of 3.5 lakh jobs.
We are proactively preparing our skill development ecosystem in anticipation of these opportunities.We are not just preparing our youth for jobs; we are preparing them for the world of tomorrow,” he stated.
“Our government has laid a robust foundation through the ‘Karnataka State Skill Development Policy 2025–32.’ This policy consolidates Karnataka’s skill development initiatives under a single, comprehensive framework.
We aim to reach approximately 30 lakh beneficiaries over the next seven years, with an intended investment of around ₹5,000 crore,”he added.
“Our priorities include strengthening institutions, promoting attractive vocational education, preserving traditional skills, fostering lifelong learning, equipping youth with future-ready skills, and ensuring quality and inclusive development.
Vocational skill education should be the first choice for our youth—not merely a fallback option chosen when no other path remains,” he emphasized.
Subroto Bagchi to Chair Skill Development Vision Group :
“Our government has constituted a ‘Skill Development Vision Group’ to provide guidance for the future of skill development in Karnataka.
I am pleased that Subroto Bagchi, co-founder of Mindtree, has agreed to chair this significant committee,” he stated.
“Several eminent figures from the fields of industry, education, and skill development have joined him on this committee.Mr.Bagchi is a highly talented individual with vast experience.
He has provided leadership for skill development initiatives in Odisha,built robust institutions, and empowered the youth of that state,”he added.
“We are not here to merely replicate an existing model. Instead, we aim to build a unique ‘Karnataka Model’,one that others might wish to study.
With a clear vision, this Vision Group will guide our youth, preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow—whether in Karnataka, across India, or anywhere else in the world,” he said.
Target to Train 7 Lakh people in seven years :
“Under our flagship initiative, the ‘Chief Minister’s Skill Karnataka Scheme 2.0’we have integrated several components—training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), special schemes, job placement assistance, and digital governance—into a single unified framework.
The objective is to train 7 lakh candidates over a period of seven years, with approximately 75,000 candidates receiving short-term training annually,”he stated.
“I appeal to the many people present at this gathering: let us work together, hand in hand.
Please share your ideas and thoughts with us.This is your Karnataka; your government is always by your side. Let us nurture our youth power,”he urged.
“For enterprises that create jobs outside of Bengaluru, we will provide an incentive of ₹2,500 per month for every job created.
Talent exists in every village; it is our duty to identify and foster it. Through the ‘My Career, My Choice’ (Nanna Vrutti, Nanna Aayke) scheme, we are helping students understand their career paths and make informed decisions,”he explained.
In Karnataka,30,000 engineering seats have remained vacant this year, and medical seats have also gone unfilled.There are over 250 engineering colleges across the state.
“There are ITI and GTTC colleges. Over 100,000 paramedical students graduate in the state.Many engineering graduates come to me seeking employment; even at Infosys, many are unable to secure jobs.Skill development must be the solution to this,”he said.
“Karnataka becomes stronger as entrepreneurs become more empowered.Through skill development initiatives, the youth can acquire industry-relevant skills alongside their formal education.
A skilled youth population,a strong Karnataka, and access to global opportunities—these are our goals,”he stated.
