Young people from remote villages across Maharashtra now dream of careers abroad, not just local jobs. To turn these dreams into reality, the state government has taken a historic step. Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Global Skills Mobility Association of India (GSMAI), responding to rising global demand for skilled workers.
This partnership, along with the state government's special initiative MAHIMA, will give Maharashtra's youth global skills, foreign language training and direct job opportunities at the international level.
"Youth from remote areas must also get the confidence to build careers anywhere in the world": Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Reacting to the historic agreement, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said:
"Youth from the most remote and rural parts of Maharashtra have immense talent and the strength to work hard. Our aim is to give them the confidence to build careers in any advanced country in the world. The government will stand firmly behind them with quality skills, financial support and institutional backing. We are committed to making sure global job opportunities reach the last person in the state, not just a few people in big cities."
GSMAI formally launched in New Delhi The Global Skills Mobility Association of India (GSMAI) was formally launched at ITC Maurya in New Delhi on October 12. Seventeen founding institutions, central and state governments, industrialists and diplomatic representatives of several countries came together to strengthen India's standing in global workforce mobility.
Logo and website unveiled: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri launched the GSMAI logo and website. He said the migration of young people should not be seen merely as labour migration. It is a major chance to gain international experience and contribute to India's economic and social development.
Commitment from industry: GSMAI founding chairman Ajay Khanna said the body would give priority to building strong institutions and credibility over temporary compromises.
International presence: The event was attended by several international representatives, including Danish Ambassador Rasmus Abildgaard Christensen, German Deputy Ambassador Georg Enzweiler, Italian Deputy Head of Mission Aurora Russi, Shashank Mani, MP and chairman of a parliamentary standing committee, Maharashtra Additional Chief Secretary Manisha Verma, and Odisha Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia.
Skills to get an international direction: Skill Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha Skills, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha welcomed the initiative and said:
"Under the leadership of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Maharashtra is leading the country in skill development. This agreement will strengthen the link between the state's skill development ecosystem and the international industry. Maharashtra's youth will not only get international jobs. Their intelligence and hard work will also raise the country's standing in the world."
'MAHIMA': A new dawn of jobs abroad Manisha Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Skill Department, briefed on the role of MAHIMA (Maharashtra Vyapak Antarrashtriya Gatishilata ani Kshamata Sanstha), a Section 8 company:
Training on demand: Youth are being trained and counselled at the district level, based on the demand for workers in specific sectors across different countries.
Wide network: Over 1,000 ITIs and more than 1,800 technical education institutions are operating in Maharashtra. The state is building a skilled youth workforce on this strong base that can compete globally.
Safe and reliable route: MAHIMA works on three pillars: language skills, cultural understanding and direct coordination with international companies.
This far-reaching step gives the state's youth a major opportunity to build their own identity on the global stage.