Uttar Pradesh Launches Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi

Why in News?

The Government of Uttar Pradesh launched Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi on 15 July 2026 during the state-level celebration of World Youth Skills Day at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow. The digital platforms were inaugurated by Kapil Dev Aggarwal, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Vocational Education, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s skill development ecosystem through greater transparency, digital governance, and improved access to vocational training opportunities.

What is Kaushal Setu?

Kaushal Setu is a digital portal developed by the Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) to simplify and modernise the registration and empanelment of training partners. The portal enables an online, paperless, and transparent approval process, reducing administrative delays and enhancing accountability in skill development programmes.

The platform allows eligible training institutions to register digitally, submit required documents online, and track the status of their applications. By replacing manual procedures with digital workflows, Kaushal Setu is expected to improve efficiency and ensure that quality training providers are integrated into the state’s vocational education framework.

What is Kaushal Sarathi?

Kaushal Sarathi is a digital information platform designed to help students and job seekers identify suitable skill training opportunities across Uttar Pradesh. It provides district-wise information on recognised training centres, available courses, and approved training partners.

One of its key features is a digital mapping system, enabling users to easily locate nearby skill development centres. The platform is intended to bridge the information gap between youth and training institutions, making vocational education more accessible and user-friendly.

Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s Skill Development Ecosystem

The launch of these platforms is part of Uttar Pradesh’s broader strategy to enhance employability and promote industry-oriented skill development. The Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission (UPSDM) serves as the state’s nodal agency for implementing skill development initiatives aimed at improving employment prospects for youth.

During the launch event, UPSDM also signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with KLK Private Limited and Winsome Textile Industries Limited. These partnerships focus on providing specialised training and placement opportunities in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and the Textile Industry, thereby aligning skill development programmes with evolving industry demands.

Significance of Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi

The introduction of Kaushal Setu and Kaushal Sarathi reflects Uttar Pradesh’s emphasis on digital governance, ease of access, and industry-linked skill development. By improving institutional transparency and enabling youth to access vocational training more efficiently, the platforms are expected to support employment generation, entrepreneurship, and workforce readiness. They also contribute to the objectives of Skill India Mission, Digital India, and the vision of creating a skilled workforce capable of supporting India’s long-term economic growth.

Important Facts for Exams

• Kaushal Setu is a digital portal for the online registration and empanelment of training partners under UPSDM.
• Kaushal Sarathi provides district-wise information and digital mapping of skill training centres across Uttar Pradesh.
• UPSDM (Uttar Pradesh Skill Development Mission) is the state’s nodal agency for vocational skill development and employability programmes.
• World Youth Skills Day is observed every year on 15 July.
• Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, hosted the state-level launch event.
• UPSDM signed MoUs with KLK Private Limited and Winsome Textile Industries Limited for training in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Textiles.
• The initiative promotes paperless governance, transparency, digital service delivery, and industry-oriented skill development in Uttar Pradesh.