The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh has commenced a three-day training programme on Skill Education (Kaushal Bodh) and Vocational Education, aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The programme aims to strengthen skill-based learning in schools and promote both traditional and modern vocational practices among students.

The training is being attended by masters and teachers from PM SHRI Schools and the newly established UT Model Schools of Leh district.
As part of the programme, a special online session on the implementation of the “10 Bagless Days” initiative under NEP 2020 was conducted by Prof. Pankaj Mehta, State/UT Coordinator for the Union Territory of Ladakh. The session was organised during the three-day Capacity Building Workshop on Skill Education, Kaushal Bodh and Vocational Education.

The session aimed to orient teachers on the concept and practical implementation of the “10 Bagless Days” initiative, an innovative component of NEP 2020 designed to provide students with hands-on exposure to vocational skills, local crafts and experiential learning.

During the interaction, Prof. Mehta highlighted the importance of integrating skill-based learning with regular schooling and encouraged teachers to design engaging activities that connect classroom knowledge with real-life applications.

Around 60 teachers from PM SHRI Schools and recently established Model Schools of Leh district participated in the interactive session during the ongoing workshop at DIET Leh. Participants appreciated the practical insights shared and discussed various strategies for effectively implementing Bagless Days in schools across Ladakh.

The workshop forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the implementation of vocational education and skill development in schools in line with the vision of NEP 2020. The programme is being coordinated by Tsering Yangdol, Head of Department at DIET Leh.
The initiative seeks to equip teachers with practical knowledge and pedagogical approaches to effectively integrate vocational and skill education in classrooms.

The training programme features a panel of resource persons including Sonam Dolkar, Principal HSS Saspol and innovator-artist; Tsetan Angchuk, retired senior teacher and artist expert; Urgain Yontan, Thangka painting expert from the Handicrafts Department Leh; Rigzin Dorje, senior managing expert at the Rural Building Centre, Ladakh Ecological Development Group Leh; Tashi Dorje, designer expert; and Skalzang Dorje, pottery expert from Likir.

These experts will share their experience and practical knowledge related to traditional crafts, design and vocational skills.
During the inaugural session, the Principal of DIET Leh emphasised the importance of skill development in education and encouraged participants to take keen interest in learning various art forms and vocational skills.

He also highlighted that teachers play a vital role in passing on traditional heritage skills and modern creative practices to students, thereby nurturing creativity, self-reliance and respect for local culture.

The training programme will include interactive sessions, demonstrations and practical exposure to various forms of art, crafts and vocational skills, in line with the experiential learning approach promoted under NEP 2020.