Maharashtra’s Skill Development Minister Urges Young Minds to Take Part in the Seva First Innovation Challenge

On Saturday, Maharashtra’s Cabinet Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Mangal Prabhat Lodha, stood at the Ministry’s Legislature Correspondents’ Hall and made a heartfelt plea to the state’s youth. He asked students, researchers, start‑ups and anyone with a spark of creativity to register for the “Seva First Innovation Challenge,” a competition that stretches across several Indian states.

The contest is part of the broader Seva Sankalp Abhiyan launched by the Union Ministry of Skill Development to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday. Applications opened on 21 September and will be accepted online until 17 October. So far, 3,878 young innovators from Maharashtra have already thrown their hats in the ring.

According to the minister, the challenge is deliberately open‑ended. It invites participants to spot problems and craft inventive solutions in sectors ranging from agriculture, health care and women’s safety to urban development, environmental protection, defence, artificial intelligence, education and employability. There’s no age ceiling – whether you’re a high‑school student or a seasoned researcher, your idea can find a place.

To make sure the call reaches every corner of the state, Lodha highlighted special steps being taken under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ direction. Rural schools and colleges are being targeted with extra outreach, and two key partners have signed memorandums of understanding to boost participation.

Srujan Trust, based in Pune, will lead publicity drives and run its annual “DIPEX” conference, giving budding innovators a platform to showcase projects. Meanwhile, Vigyan Bharati of the Konkan region will help students put together solid project reports and offer the technical guidance many need to turn a concept into a competition‑ready proposal.

The Department of Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation is also stepping in with mentorship, ensuring that every entrant – be it an individual, a student group, an MSME or a larger organisation – receives the support required to fine‑tune their ideas.

With the deadline fast approaching, the minister’s message is clear: the future of Maharashtra’s innovation ecosystem depends on the energy and imagination of its young people. If you have a solution that could make life better – in the fields listed or beyond – now is the time to submit it.