Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
An artificial intelligence-powered skill census launched in Maharashtra is emerging as a potential model for states such as Jharkhand, where large-scale migration, unemployment and skill mapping remain major policy challenges. The Saksham Skill Census, unveiled by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis during a State Cabinet meeting at Mantralaya on Tuesday, has demonstrated how technology can create a real-time database of workers and directly connect them with employment and training opportunities.
The pilot exercise was conducted in Mumbai Suburban District’s H-West Ward, covering Bandra West, Santacruz West and Khar West. Over six months, an AI voice agent, supported by field teams, surveyed more than 59,000 households, profiled over 44,000 young people and linked more than 37,000 individuals to skilling-based livelihood pathways. The exercise also integrated 1,018 employers and 54 training institutes into a single verified platform.
For Jharkhand, where thousands of workers migrate annually to cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai in search of employment, the model offers the possibility of creating district-level skill databases that can help match local youth with jobs closer to home. Such an approach could enable policymakers to identify existing skills, understand employment aspirations and design targeted training programmes based on actual demand rather than estimates.
The project also highlighted opportunities for women. According to Ashwin Srivastava, who led the AI system’s design, the census identified homemakers with digital aptitude, enabling around 100 women to earn an income by contributing to AI data projects. Similar initiatives could prove significant in Jharkhand, where female workforce participation remains relatively low and opportunities for home-based digital employment are limited, particularly in rural and tribal areas.
Officials involved in the project said the AI-based methodology can be adapted to both urban wards and rural panchayats, making it suitable for districts across Jharkhand, including Ranchi, Dumka, Sahibganj and Palamu. By generating hyperlocal data, the system can help governments plan skill development, employment generation and livelihood interventions more effectively.
With Maharashtra already expanding the initiative to Nagpur district, the model is drawing attention as a potential blueprint for states seeking data-driven workforce planning. For Jharkhand, its significance lies not merely in the technology but in its potential to improve local employment, reduce distress migration and create more targeted livelihood opportunities through accurate, verified skill mapping.
