Project Praveen is a flagship vocational education initiative, unique in several ways, of the Uttar Pradesh government aimed at integrating skill development with school education. Implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) in collaboration with the Secondary Education Department, the programme seeks to prepare students of Classes IX to XII in government secondary schools for employment, entrepreneurship and higher technical education by providing industry-relevant vocational training alongside their regular studies.The project is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and the evolving needs of the job market. Professional trainers empanelled by UPSDM conduct practical, hands-on training within school campuses, enabling students to acquire market-oriented skills without disrupting their academic schedule. To ensure effective learning and individual attention, each training batch is limited to 35 students.Project Praveen offers short-term vocational courses of up to 300 hours across a wide range of high-demand sectors, including Information Technology and ITeS, Healthcare, Electronics, Apparel, Beauty and Wellness, Agriculture, Management and Green Jobs. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, enhancing students’ employability and encouraging self-employment.Students who successfully complete the course and assessment receive government-recognised skill certification, improving their prospects for jobs, apprenticeships and entrepreneurial ventures.Since its launch as a pilot in 150 government secondary schools during 2022–23, Project Praveen has witnessed rapid expansion across Uttar Pradesh. The programme has been extended to hundreds of schools in districts such as Agra, Varanasi, Bareilly and Sonbhadra. By early 2024, more than 61,000 students had already benefited from skill training under the initiative.Building on this success, the state government has set a target of providing vocational training to an additional 36,103 students during the financial year 2026–27, with training scheduled to commence from July 15, 2026.To maintain high standards, the project follows a robust monitoring mechanism. Training partners are required to adhere to prescribed timelines, use standardised learning material and regularly upload photographs and other evidence of training on the Mission’s online portal. This ensures transparency, accountability and consistent quality across all participating institutions.By embedding vocational education within the school system, Project Praveen is creating a new generation of skilled, confident and self-reliant youth. The initiative represents a significant step towards aligning school education with industry requirements while supporting Uttar Pradesh’s vision of building a skilled workforce and advancing the goal of an Atmanirbhar Uttar Pradesh.
