MUMBAI: With unemployment emerging as one of the biggest concerns among young people and student protests putting the spotlight on the issue, the Maharashtra government has announced a major employment outreach programme aimed at Gen Z. The state will organise 1,000 job fairs across Maharashtra by March 2027, pairing recruitment drives with short-term skill training to improve the employability of young job seekers.
The initiative, led by the Skill Development Department, will primarily target unemployed youth in urban and semi-urban areas, particularly students pursuing general graduation courses. Officials said the focus is on colleges other than Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), as ITIs already provide vocational education, while students enrolled in conventional degree programmes often struggle to find jobs because they lack industry-relevant skills.
According to officials, the move comes as the government seeks to address growing concerns over youth unemployment following student protests in Delhi and unrest among young people in several states, including Maharashtra.
The job fairs will be held across districts and talukas, with the department planning a widespread awareness campaign to ensure maximum participation. Before candidates face recruiters, they will undergo a structured two-week pre-employment programme designed to prepare them for the workplace.
