Mandi MC, ITI join hands to blend skill training with urban development

In a landmark step towards strengthening urban infrastructure and empowering youth, the Mandi Municipal Corporation and Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Mandi, signed a historic memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday. The collaboration, launched under the state government’s flagship skill development programme “Kaushal Aapke Dwar”, aims to bridge the gap between technical education and real-world application while addressing key civic maintenance challenges.

Commissioner Rohit Rathour described the partnership as a “win-win model,” highlighting two core focus areas. First, ITI students will assist in the fabrication, installation and repair of iron grills and metal structures across the city, helping prevent littering, enhancing safety and improving the city’s aesthetics. The MC will provide technical assistance and logistics, while trainees apply their classroom knowledge under expert supervision.

Second, under the guidance of municipal engineers, ITI students will help identify, repair and restore non-functional streetlights. This initiative is expected to improve urban lighting, ensure safer streets and provide trainees with practical electrical repair experience.

Rathour emphasised that the partnership will help overcome workforce shortages and expedite long-pending civic works, ensuring more cost-effective and timely solutions. Meanwhile, the Principal of ITI Mandi underlined the benefits for students, noting that hands-on exposure will strengthen technical expertise, boost employability and foster a sense of public service.

The MoU is already being hailed as a model for replication across Himachal Pradesh. By integrating skill training with civic engagement, it sets a precedent for how educational institutions and local bodies can collaborate to harness youth potential for community development.

More than just an agreement, the Mandi-ITI partnership is a vision of inclusive growth — empowering students with real-world skills while creating tangible improvements in public infrastructure.