Himachal Pradesh Trainees Shine in National Skill Competitions

Outstanding Achievements in Skill Development

Another trainee, Jatin Dogra from Sundernagar, secures top position in Computer Operator and Assistant Programmer course

Munish Sood

Mandi
Demonstrating remarkable determination and talent, Naveen Sharma, a student from the Government Industrial Training Institute (Grade-A) in Mandi, has made his state proud by achieving the highest score in North India during the All India Trade Test (AITT)-2025 for the Surveyor Trade, with an impressive 99.25%.

In a similar vein, Jatin Dogra, a trainee from Government ITI (PWD) in Sundernagar, also claimed the top spot nationally in the Computer Operator and Programming Assistant (COPA–VI) trade and received the Best Trainee Award.

Both of these talented individuals were recognized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the National Skill Convocation Ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, an event organized by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.

Naveen Sharma, originally from Palampur in the Kangra district, faced adversity early in life as he was orphaned. However, his maternal uncle, Satish Sharma, played a crucial role in encouraging him to pursue his education. In 2023, Naveen was adopted under the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana, which provides him with a monthly stipend of ₹4,000.

He completed his vocational training in the Surveyor Trade during the 2023–25 session at ITI Mandi. Notably, he also secured first place in the State-Level Skill Competition held on May 7–8, 2025. For his accomplishments, Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani awarded him a certificate of merit, a gold medal, and a cash prize of ₹5,100 during the state-level convocation ceremony at Government Polytechnic, Sundernagar, on September 17, 2025.

Currently, Naveen is pursuing advanced training under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) at NSTI, Kolkata.

Principal Ravindra Singh of ITI Mandi expressed his congratulations to Naveen Sharma and his instructor Dinesh Sharma, highlighting their achievements as a source of motivation for other trainees and instructors throughout the state. He also noted that the Himachal Government offers a cash incentive of ₹5,100 to trainees who achieve over 70% marks and maintain more than 95% attendance during their training.

Akshay Sood, Director of Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training Department, Himachal Pradesh, praised the exceptional performance of both trainees, their instructors, and the leadership of their institutes. He wished them continued success in their skill development endeavors.