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A flagship initiative to bridge the skill gap by equipping students for the future.
Chandigarh: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, along with AAP Punjab Incharge Manish Sisodia, on Friday launched the ‘Hunar Sikhya School’ handbook and felicitated educators, subject experts and technical partners who have collaboratively designed the industry-centric curriculum of the ambitious vocational education programme. The Hunar Sikhya School initiative has been rolled out in 40 government schools for the 2025–26 academic year to empower Class XI and XII students with cutting-edge skills aligned with high-growth and new-age career opportunities.
Addressing the gathering at Punjab MC Bhawan, Bains said Punjab’s education system is undergoing a fundamental transformation to break the long-standing disconnect between schooling and industry needs. “Our survey of 2.8 lakh students and national data reveal that over 45 per cent of students leave school unprepared for employment due to weak skill education and socio-economic challenges. Through Hunar Sikhya School, Punjab aims to bridge India’s skill gap and prepare students for real-world careers,” he said.
The Education Minister explained that the initiative introduces a three-subject trade model that moves beyond conventional vocational training. Students can specialise in one of four high-demand sectors—Healthcare Sciences & Services (developed by Max Healthcare Institute), Digital Design & Development (created by IIT Delhi), Beauty & Wellness (designed by Orane International), and Banking, Financial Services & Insurance (BFSI), structured by LabourNet Services India Ltd.
AAP Punjab In-Charge Manish Sisodia underlined the need to move away from rote learning towards practical skill development. “Students should be able to explore employment and entrepreneurship opportunities right after Class X. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government is building a strong skilling ecosystem at the school level, and Hunar Sikhya School will become a major driver of employment,” he said.
Speaking on the Beauty & Wellness vertical, Orane International Managing Director Dinesh Sood said, “The partnership marks a decisive shift in how vocational education is perceived in India. “Beauty and wellness is no longer an informal sector—it is a structured, global industry offering dignified careers, entrepreneurship and international mobility. Through Hunar Sikhya School, students will gain industry-aligned skills, global exposure and a clear career pathway straight from school,” Sood said, adding that Orane’s curriculum focuses on professionalism, employability and entrepreneurship, particularly empowering young women.
The Education Alliance and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, as technical partners, further support the initiative. Cambridge University Press & Assessment has developed a customised Functional English and Communication curriculum to enhance workplace fluency.
