June 27, 2025 | New Delhi – In a major push towards creating a skilled workforce in the construction sector, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal, distributed skill certificates to trained labourers at a ceremony organised by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) in New Delhi. The event was part of the Government of India’s flagship Skill India Mission.
The event took place at the site of the General Pool Residential Accommodation (GPRA) project at Kasturba Nagar, where 40 workers completed an 80-hour onsite training programme in MIVAN Shuttering Systems. The training was part of CPWD’s initiative to upskill workers directly on construction sites.
Shri Manohar Lal awarded certificates and official ID cards to these newly trained Assistant Shuttering Carpenters. In his speech, he highlighted the need for skilled workers to meet modern infrastructure demands and praised CPWD’s proactive steps.
Target: 35,000 Trained Workers
Shri Manohar Lal announced a significant expansion of the programme. CPWD aims to train 10,000 workers this year and scale up to 25,000 in the next financial year, targeting 35,000 workers in total.
He also declared a new requirement: For construction projects worth more than ₹10,000 crore, contractors must ensure that at least 20% of workers are certified or are formally trained onsite.
National Collaboration with NAREDCO
This skill certification programme is being conducted in collaboration with the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO). Earlier, Phase-I of the initiative trained and certified around 40 workers as Assistant Masons.
Advanced Technology and Sustainability at GPRA Project
The GPRA redevelopment site features G+13 towers with over 2,000 flats and modern amenities. The project uses monolithic construction technology—a blend of aluminium formwork and self-compacting concrete. It is one of six innovative technologies selected by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
In line with sustainability goals, the project is targeting a GRIHA 4-Star Rating. It uses eco-friendly measures such as:
- Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste reuse
- Fly ash-based materials
- Low-VOC paints
- Solar panel installations
- Energy-efficient 5-star rated electrical fittings
The site also offers a balanced lifestyle with cycling tracks, open gyms, sports courts, kids’ play areas, a CGHS dispensary, and a primary school.
Skill India’s Impact on Construction
The event was attended by key dignitaries including Shri Srinivas R. Katikithala, Secretary (MoHUA), and Sh. Satinder Pal Singh, Director General, CPWD. All speakers echoed the importance of skilled manpower for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
With structured training programmes and strong policy backing, CPWD is leading by example in professionalizing India’s construction workforce while supporting national infrastructure goals.