On the initiative of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, a combined curriculum of higher secondary education and vocational training under ITI is being implemented in the schools of Chhattisgarh. This brilliant model has gained appreciation at the national level and now it will be implemented across the country.

The Central Government has decided to introduce an integrated programme of vocational training and school education in the entire country. In the same sequence, the Directorate General of Training (DGT), Government of India has constituted a committee under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to chalk out the guidelines for the integration of vocational training with school education. The Director General of Training has requested to nominate a representative from Chhattisgarh on this committee.

In the selected higher secondary schools of Chhattisgarh, the students of class 11th are being provided the opportunity to take vocational training along with higher secondary education. This scheme is being implemented in coordination with ITIs, so that the students may simultaneously earn the 12th board certificate of the Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education and the ITI certificate of the State Vocational Training Council.

In the academic session 2021-2023, this scheme of integrated curriculum is being implemented in 119 schools and ITIs of 116 development blocks. Under this curriculum, students are being provided training in 10 trades of ITI. This will help the youth to acquire various skills to stand on their own feet. Entrepreneurship skills have been made a mandatory part of vocational courses under the scheme.