Mumbai: In a sweeping overhaul of the state’s vocational education ecosystem, the government has approved a new private skill university for Mumbai, announced a Rs 4,000-crore modernisation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), roped in the Tata Group to help upgrade technical education across districts, and set an ambitious target of placing one lakh young Maharashtrians in overseas jobs.Presenting the Maharashtra Private Skill Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Second Amendment Bill, 2026 in the Legislative Council on Thursday, skill development minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha said the initiatives were aimed at aligning education with rapidly changing industry requirements while ensuring that private participation does not lead to commercialization.The biggest announcement was the approval granted to the 108-year-old Indian Education Society (IES) to establish a private Skill University in Mumbai. The university will offer industry-focused programmes in areas such as architecture, digital marketing, fintech, sports analytics, drone technology and public policy, reflecting the growing demand for specialised professional skills.The government also unveiled a Rs 4,000-crore plan to modernise ITIs with assistance from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. Training infrastructure will be upgraded and new-age courses in electric vehicles, solar technology and drone operations introduced to prepare students for emerging sectors.In another significant move, the Tata Group has proposed extending technical and financial support to two ITIs in every district of Maharashtra under an initiative valued at nearly Rs 3,000 crore. The proposal is expected to be placed before the state Cabinet at its next meeting.Seeking to tap the growing global demand for skilled workers, the government said the Swami Vivekananda International Academy at Vidyavihar would anchor a programme to prepare local youth for overseas employment, with a target of creating one lakh international job opportunities. Short-duration upskilling courses have also been introduced for working professionals.To address concerns over profiteering in higher education, the amended legislation imposes tighter regulation on private skill universities. Institutions will be required to furnish a Rs 10-crore bank guarantee, include government-nominated experts on their governing bodies and comply with statutory reservation policies, measures the government says are intended to ensure accountability while expanding access to skill-based education.
