LUCKNOW, March 19 -- As many as 2,527 participants received offer letters on the inaugural day of the 'mega employment fair-2026'. Aimed at providing better job opportunities to thousands of youths, the fair was inaugurated here at Indira Gandhi Pratisthan on Wednesday. Around 8600 participants attended the job fair. A selection process was conducted for over 15,000 vacant positions, wherein more than 100 companies provided employment to young individuals. Special priority was accorded to persons with disabilities, women, and candidates belonging to the 'Zero Poverty' category, thereby reflecting an endeavour to integrate them into the mainstream. Digital platforms named 'Kaushal Drishti,' 'Kaushal Darpan,' and 'Kaushal Dost' were launched on the occasion. 'Kaushal Drishti' is a mobile application that monitors training centres in real-time while 'Kaushal Darpan' is an AI-based dashboard that integrates information related to skill development; and 'Kaushal Dost' is a chatbot that provides immediate assistance to users, said Kapil Dev Agarwal, minister of state (independent charge) for vocational education, skill development, and entrepreneurship, while inaugurating the employment fair. Agarwal encouraged the youth to cultivate skills, self-confidence, and effective communication abilities. He advised young people to exercise patience regarding their careers and to refrain from quitting a job unless a better opportunity presents itself. "The government's objective is to transform the youth from job seekers into entrepreneurs who create employment opportunities. The government of UP is providing training in cutting-edge fields such as robotics, drones, artificial intelligence, 3D printing, solar energy, and electric vehicles," the minister said. Currently, approximately 350 ITIs are operational; of these, 22 new ITIs have recently commenced operations, and plans are in place to launch another 30 ITIs in the upcoming academic session....