Nitin Gadkari Urges Skill Development for Maharashtra’s Tribal Students Focus on Education, Professional Training, and Career Opportunities

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday emphasized the importance of skill enhancement among tribal students in Maharashtra, urging the state’s Tribal Development Department to introduce courses that help them become engineers, doctors, and civil servants.

Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of a state-level competition organized by the department, Gadkari addressed Tribal Development Minister Ashok Uike, advocating for the rating of ‘ashrama shalas’ (residential schools) for tribal students. He proposed that institutions with good performance be encouraged to establish skill development institutes.

Quality Education and Ambitious Goals

Highlighting the need for quality education, the Union Minister stressed the importance of skill development initiatives for tribal children.

“Help the tribal children become professionals like researchers, doctors, engineers, and civil servants,” Gadkari said, urging the department to implement schemes aimed at empowering tribal students through education.

Diversified Career Training

Gadkari also suggested providing training for tribal students in diverse sectors, including the hotel industry, and roles as loco pilots and airline pilots, to broaden their career opportunities.

Affordable Housing Initiative and Environmental Concerns

Later in the day, while addressing the ‘URJAVARAN 2025’ conference on energy and environment, Gadkari discussed affordable housing and reducing construction costs.

“Not everyone can purchase high-end housing. Most people need affordable housing. The cost of construction should be reduced to less than Rs 1,200 per square foot. It is possible,” he stated, revealing plans for a “smart housing project” in Bela, Nagpur, where 500 square feet homes will be available for Rs 5 lakh each.

Call for Environmental Innovations

Expressing concern over air pollution and climate change, Gadkari urged stakeholders to develop innovative, environment-friendly solutions to address these pressing issues.