India, Oct. 22 -- The Maharashtra government's decision to introduce a short-term course "Vedic Sanskar Junior Assistant" in industrial training institutes (ITI) has triggered a controversy, with sections of the priest community and Opposition leaders criticising the move.

Skill, employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha announced on Monday that the course aims to train youth for service and management roles at pilgrimage sites, particularly during large religious gatherings such as the upcoming Kumbh Mela in Nashik in 2026-27.

According to Lodha, the course, approved under the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF), will equip participants with practical skills to assist devotees through guidance...