The Governing Council of the State Council of Vocational and Industrial Training Society (SCVT) approved the budget for the financial year 2026–27 during its 9th meeting held in Shimla.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Abhishek Jain, who also reviewed the Action Taken Report of previous decisions. The council expressed satisfaction over the progress achieved so far and discussed key policy initiatives aimed at strengthening vocational education in the state.
A major proposal from the Ayush Department to rename the “Ayurvedic Spa Therapist (Panchkarma)” course as “Panchkarma Technician” was discussed. The proposal also included increasing intake capacity at RGGPG Ayurvedic Hospital, Kangra, and Regional Ayurvedic Hospital, Chhota Shimla, along with introducing the course in 12 district and government hospitals. The initiative is aimed at boosting self-employment opportunities for youth in the ayurveda sector. The proposal received in-principle approval.
The council also approved the introduction of new one-year certificate courses in Horticulture, Natural/Organic Farming, and Dairy Technology in six Government ITIs, including Ghumarwin, Jubbal, Reckong Peo, Rail, Theog, and Shahpur. These courses are designed to align with the state’s agricultural strengths and promote sustainable, agri-based entrepreneurship.
Further, approval was granted for developing a syllabus for a certificate course in Natural/Organic Farming based on recommendations of an expert working group comprising departmental and university experts.
In addition, the Governing Council approved the adoption of ITI Affiliation Norms-2025, including revised fee structure and guidelines for issuing NOCs for new private ITIs and expansion of trades and units in existing institutions.
The decisions are expected to significantly strengthen vocational training and enhance employment-oriented education in Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
