The Department of Technical Education and Skill Development Ladakh, came into existence after formation of Ladakh as a new Union Territory in 2019, having under its ambit Polytechnic Colleges and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIS).
Technical Institute:
There are 02 Govt. ITIs one each in Leh and Kargil. There are 2 Govt. Polytechnic Colleges one each at Leh and Kargil, operating under the administrative control of Technical Education and Skill Development Department.
Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM)
The Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM), a two–tier structure comprising of the Governing Council and Executive Committee has been constituted in the Union Territory in the year 2021, registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860. The Mission will be the single point of the UT Administration to formulate and steer various skill development schemes and to bring necessary synergy, oversight and effective coordination in the implementation of various Skill development schemes across the Departments in the UT of Ladakh. The Ladakh Skill Development Mission conducts “Short Term Trainings” in various job roles under PMKVY 4.0 and PM Vishwakarma and is also the implementing agency of the SANKALP Scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Gol.
- In the year 2023-24 the Technical Education & Skill Development Department through LSDM has collaborated with following six SSC to act as knowledge partner and implement skill centres in Ladakh for betterment of youth of Ladakh.
- Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council (B&WSSC)
- Food Industry Capacity & Skill Initiative (FICSI)
- Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC)
- Agriculture Skill Council of India. (AGCI)
- Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council (HCSSC)
- Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)
In the year 2024-25, LSDM did MOU with National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT) Leh to act as knowledge partner and implement Certified Computer Application Accounting and Publishing Assistant (CAAP) skill course for betterment of youth of Ladakh.
Skill development in Ladakh has recently become a key focus, with initiatives aimed at enhancing employability and addressing the region’s specific economic needs. Traditionally, vocational training was confined to Industrial Training Institutes (ITIS) and Government Polytechnic Colleges. However, the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has broadened this scope, encouraging the integration of skill development into higher education institutions. Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM) and the Higher Education Department has taken a novel initiative by introducing National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF) aligned skill courses in colleges of Ladakh. A total of 11 skill courses have been selected based on local relevance and future demands, covering key sectors such as tourism, handicrafts, beauty wellness, food processing, Agriculture, media and IT. These courses are being conducted across 7 higher education institutions through 17 well–equipped skill centres, in collaboration with 06 Sector Skill Councils and NIELIT. Since the introduction of these skill courses in 2023-24, 1075 students enrolled in various programs, with 565 (1st Sem) and 510 (2nd Sem) successfully completing training and earning certification .Beyond these regular courses, the skill centres have also extended short–term training programs to non–college students under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY). New short–term training programs have been introduced for non–college students under PMKVY, covering sectors such as food processing, tourism, handicrafts, and IT at Govt Degree College Kargil, Eliezer Joldan Memorial College Leh and Govt Degree College Zanskar.
National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) in Ladakh
The Department of Technical Education and Skill Development, Ladakh, is implementing the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) under the guidance of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India (Gol). This initiative aims to enhance the skills of apprentices in various trades by utilizing the training facilities available in local establishments, thereby developing a skilled workforce.
Apprenticeship training is a highly effective method for creating a skilled manpower pool by leveraging on–the–job training provided by establishments. Upon successful completion of the training, apprentices are awarded certificates based on the marks they secure in their assessments.
The first engagement under the NAPS in Ladakh was initiated in 2023 by Hotel Abzus, Leh, where an apprentice named Chemat Angmo completed her training as a “Kitchen Helper.” Following the successful completion of her apprenticeship, she was absorbed into the hotel on a regular payroll, marking a significant milestone in the scheme’s success.
Currently, approximately 30 apprentices are engaged in various government departments across the Union Territory of Ladakh. To further enhance the implementation and monitor the progress of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, a Union Territory Level Implementation Review Committee was constituted in 2024. This committee ensures effective monitoring and implementation of NAPS across the region.
Further District Skill Committees (DSCs) at District Level (Leh & Kargil) have been constituted with the Deputy Commissioner of the respective districts as the Chairperson of the DSCs.
Vision
Our vision is to create constant opportunities for the youth of Ladakh to be able to acquire skills of choice and to support them with the means of creating sustainable livelihoods.
To coordinate the efforts and policies regarding Skill Development and empowering all individuals especially the youth of Ladakh through improved skills, knowledge, nationally recognized qualifications to gain access to decent employment and eliminate the problem of unemployment.
Mission
- To constantly strive and integrate the efforts of various departments engaged in skilling the youth of Union Territory of Ladakh.
- To bring necessary scale, synergy, oversight and effective coordination in the implementation of various Skill development schemes.
- To Improve the quality of Training, Staff and Infrastructure of Government ITIs and Polytechnics.
- To Facilitate the development of entrepreneurs.
- To provide the best possible technical education facilities for training of youth in job relevant sectors.
- To Promoting research and development in Institutions to inculcate Entrepreneurial culture.
