Vaikunth Mehta National Institute of Cooperative Management (VAMNICOM), Pune, has been selected as a key training partner for the Acharya Chanakya Kaushalya Vikas Kendra (ACKVK) under the Pramod Mahajan Kaushalya Udyog Vikas Abhiyan, a Maharashtra State Skill Development initiative. This move is aimed at enhancing the skills of cooperative stakeholders in areas such as business diversification and employment generation.
The initiative comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of the Acharya Chanakya Skill Development Scheme, which was broadcast via video conferencing in Pune. VAMNICOM participated in the program online.
For the financial year 2024-25, the Maharashtra State Skill Development Society (MSSDS) called for applications to establish ACKVK centers to train youth and stakeholders across agriculture, industry, and service sectors. These centers will focus on equipping individuals with the necessary skills for employment and entrepreneurship.
Under the Skill Development Mission, VAMNICOM will provide specialized training in key areas such as input development (with a focus on quality seed growing) and technology management (notably training for Kisan Drone Operators). This initiative aims to support business diversification and job creation within the cooperative sector, aligning with the Ministry of Cooperation’s latest schemes.
Training at the ACKVK is expected to produce a more skilled workforce in the cooperative ecosystem, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cooperative members. This, in turn, is anticipated to strengthen cooperatives and enhance their ability to address local community needs.
Historically, cooperatives have played a significant role in empowering marginalized communities, contributing to rural development by providing market access and promoting collective decision-making. With the growing demand for skilled labor, continuous skill development becomes essential.
Skill development within cooperatives is expected to improve employability, foster entrepreneurship, and promote social cohesion. Tailored training programs will equip cooperative members with skills in areas such as modern agricultural practices, digital marketing, and quality control.
The Government of Maharashtra’s commitment to setting up ACKVKs under the Skill Development Mission is seen as a vital part of this effort. By integrating cooperative training into the broader skill development agenda, the state aims to create a resilient workforce capable of meeting evolving market demands.
The inauguration of ACKVK centers is a significant milestone, promising to uplift communities, boost economic stability, and usher in a new era of employment generation across Maharashtra and beyond.