President Murmu Launches ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’ to Empower India with AI Readiness

Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, announced the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, urging citizens, policymakers, educators, professionals and youth to actively participate in India’s AI learning movement by enrolling in the SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) course on the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). She called the initiative a significant step towards equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities in Artificial Intelligence and advancing India’s journey towards a technologically empowered and inclusive society.

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship’s flagship programme SOAR – Skilling for AI Readiness, launched in July 2025, enables accessible AI learning for all through structured micro-credential courses.

SOAR is designed to make AI simple, ethical, responsible and aspirational. Over six months, more than 1.59 lakh learners across India have enrolled, with thousands completing certifications.

15 Members of Parliament who have completed the SOAR AI course module

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, has successfully completed the SOAR ‘AI to be Aware’ module. He nominated Shri Nara Lokesh Rao, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, and Mr. Nitin Narang to take up the challenge, creating a cascading national movement.

Commenting on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary said:

India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. Through the ‘#SkillTheNation Challenge’, we want to inspire every citizen to embrace learning and prepare for an AI-enabled future. SOAR is not just a skilling programme; it is a national mission to build confidence, capability and curiosity in AI, ensuring that every learner — wherever they are — has the opportunity to benefit from this technology and contribute to the nation’s growth story. 

He further added:
“India’s future workforce must not only be digitally aware but AI confident. I am glad to have personally completed the SOAR AI learning module, and it has further strengthened my belief that learning must begin from leadership itself. It gives me great satisfaction to nominate my fellow colleagues to join this movement, so together we can inspire every citizen to embrace AI learning and prepare for an empowered, future-ready India.”

A group of 17 select students from PM SHRI Schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh received AI course certificates from the President of India.

15 Members of Parliament have completed the SOAR AI course module, reflecting strong leadership commitment towards AI readiness.

S. No.	Name of MP	House (Lok Sabha / Rajya Sabha)
1	Shri Chandan Singh Chauhan	Lok Sabha
2	Ms. Swati Maliwal	Rajya Sabha
3	Shri Ummendaram Ram Beniwal	Lok Sabha
4	Shri Narayan K Bhandage	Rajya Sabha
5	Ms. Kamal Jeet Sehrawat	Lok Sabha
6	Ms. Manju Sharma	Lok Sabha
7	Ms. Shobhanaben Baraiya	Lok Sabha
8	Shri G. M. Harish Balayogi	Lok Sabha
9	Ms. Sangeeta Yadav	Rajya Sabha
10	Ms. Fauzia Khan	Rajya Sabha
11	Shri P. V. Abdul Wahab	Rajya Sabha
12	Shri Sujeet Kumar	Rajya Sabha
13	Ms. Bijuli Kalita Medhi	Lok Sabha
14	Shri Haris Beeran	Rajya Sabha
15	Shri P. P. Chaudhary	Lok Sabha

Samsung Strengthens Future-Tech Skilling in West Bengal with Major Certification Drive

Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today reinforced its commitment to developing future-ready talent in West Bengal by felicitating 750 students under its flagship Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC) programme at Brainware University, Kolkata.

As part of Samsung’s mission to skill 20,000 youth across India in 2025, the latest batch includes 400 graduates in AI Coding & Programming and 350 in Artificial Intelligence (AI)—equipping young aspirants with industry-relevant digital capabilities that will drive India’s technology future.

The ceremony was graced by Prof. Sankar Gangopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Brainware University, and Mr. Saroj Aapto, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Electronics Sector Skills Council of India (ESSCI), along with Samsung leadership and faculty members.

West Bengal Emerging as a Tech-Talent Growth Hub

West Bengal has a rich legacy in engineering and science, and the state is rapidly nurturing a thriving digital economy. Samsung’s skilling initiatives aim to strengthen the region’s talent pool and expand workforce readiness in high-demand technologies.

Expanding Access and Opportunity

Samsung Innovation Campus offers training in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Coding & Programming, aligning closely with the Government of India’s Skill India and Digital India missions.

The programme emphasises inclusivity—with 44% women participation nationally—and strong outreach to aspirational districts and semi-urban areas, ensuring youth from diverse backgrounds can access opportunities in the digital age.

A Larger Mission for Aatmanirbhar Bharat

With events now conducted across 10 states, including recent felicitation in Gorakhpur, the SIC programme is rapidly building a future-skilled workforce in partnership with accredited training organisation ESSCI, ensuring:Industry-aligned learning
Soft-skills development
Career guidance and placement support.

Alongside SIC, Samsung’s DOST (Digital & Offline Skills Training) programme continues to help youth secure frontline retail careers—strengthening employability, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Samsung Newsroom India: https://news.samsung.com/in/samsung-strengthens-future-tech-skilling-in-west-bengal-with-major-certification-drive

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com/in/

Tata Electronics, NIELIT Kohima join hands to skill Nagaland youth for semiconductor future

Tata Electronics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with NIELIT Kohima to skill youth in Nagaland for semiconductor industry jobs, focusing on assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP).

The initiative aims to bridge India’s semiconductor skill gap and empower the Northeast region with industry-standard training and hands-on experience.

Key highlights of the MoU

• Partnership: Tata Electronics, a major player in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, has partnered with the Kohima unit of the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), under the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
• Focus areas: Training programs will cover semiconductor assembly, testing, marking, and packaging (ATMP) — critical processes in chip manufacturing.
• Youth empowerment: The initiative is designed to empower young people in Nagaland and the broader Northeast region, preparing them for future employment opportunities in India’s growing semiconductor ecosystem.
• Hands-on experience: Programs will include internships, vocational training, and certifications, ensuring participants gain practical industry exposure.
• Strategic importance: This collaboration strengthens India’s push to become a global semiconductor hub by addressing the skill gap in advanced electronics manufacturing.

Broader context

• National push: India is investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing and design through government-backed initiatives such as the Semicon India program.
• Northeast inclusion: The region is being positioned as a new talent pool for high-tech industries, expanding opportunities beyond traditional hubs.
• Complementary initiatives: The MoU aligns with efforts like Project SAMARTH at NIELIT Kohima, focused on AI, robotics, and digital hardware training.

Why it matters

• For Nagaland youth: Opens pathways to high-paying, future-ready jobs in a cutting-edge industry.
• For India’s semiconductor mission: Builds a skilled workforce to support domestic fabs and ATMP units, reducing reliance on imports.
• For Tata Electronics: Strengthens its role in India’s semiconductor supply chain while investing in regional development.

This MoU is a strategic move to integrate Nagaland into India’s semiconductor future, ensuring the region’s youth are not left behind in the global race for chip talent.
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NetApp, NASSCOM Foundation Join Forces to Bridge AI Talent Gap with New Skilling Program

George Kurian, CEO, NetApp and Rostow Ravanan, Chairperson, Nasscom Foundation

Recognizing India’s pivotal role in the global AI economy, NetApp®, the Intelligent Data Infrastructure company, today announced a multi-year partnership with the Nasscom Foundation to launch a skilling program in AI in Data Science. Furthering its commitment to promoting Data Science and AI Education, the initiative was unveiled in Bengaluru in the presence of George Kurian, CEO, NetApp and Rostow Ravanan, Chairperson, Nasscom Foundation.

The program is designed to prepare the next generation of technology talent from underserved communities by equipping them with in-demand skills in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. In its first phase, engineering graduates from resource-constrained communities across the states of Karnataka and Delhi will be trained through a comprehensive curriculum that blends technical expertise with workplace readiness and industry exposure.

Our partnership with Nasscom Foundation reflects our shared vision of building a future-ready workforce. We are meeting the evolving needs of the digital economy by co-creating industry-relevant curricula. This helps not only in nurturing AI talent at scale but also strengthening Nasscom Foundation’s skilling ecosystem, said Vasanthi Ramesh, Vice President of Engineering and Site Leader, NetApp India.

Participants will undertake 120 hours of technical training in Python, data analytics, machine learning, and deep learning, complemented by NetApp-curated sessions on Kubernetes, persistent storage, and AI infrastructure. Beyond technical skills, the initiative will also deliver 60 hours of soft skills development, including communication, teamwork, and career guidance, to enable graduates to be job-ready. Industry-recognized certifications and job placement support will further enhance employability, with a target of placing nearly 70 percent of the cohort in technology roles.

“The growing demand for AI and Data Science professionals is reshaping the future of work,” said Mr. Rostow Ravanan, Chairperson, Nasscom Foundation. “To meet this transformation head-on, it is vital to bridge the opportunity gap by ensuring equitable access to continuous, industry-aligned skilling. Our collaboration with NetApp reflects this vision where we are empowering youth, especially women from underserved communities, with the digital, AI, and data capabilities needed to thrive in an inclusive and future-ready economy.”

The skilling program launched by NetApp and Nasscom Foundation furthers India’s ambition to be a global hub for AI talent by addressing a critical gap: the need for skilled, ethical, and job-ready professionals. Through rigorous technical training combined with real-world exposure, the initiative will create pathways into meaningful technology careers and broaden inclusion in the digital economy.

About Nasscom Foundation:

Established in 2001, Nasscom Foundation has been witness to the transformative power of technology for over two decades. Part of the Nasscom ecosystem, we are a neutral not-for-profit organization representing the Indian tech industry. We remain rooted to our core philosophy of TechForGood, where our efforts are focused on unlocking the power of technology by creating access and opportunity for those who need it the most. We work on helping people and institutions transform the way they tackle social and economic challenges through technology. We have five key areas of intervention – Digital Literacy, Skilling and Employability, Women Entrepreneurship, Scaling Social Innovation and Empowering NGO Ecosystem.

About NetApp

For more than three decades, NetApp has helped the world’s leading organizations navigate change – from the rise of enterprise storage to the intelligent era defined by data and AI. Today, NetApp is the Intelligent Data Infrastructure company, helping customers turn data into a catalyst for innovation, resilience, and growth.

At the heart of that infrastructure is the NetApp data platform – the unified, enterprise-grade, intelligent foundation that connects, protects, and activates data across every cloud, workload, and environment. Built on the proven power of NetApp ONTAP, our leading data management software and OS, and enhanced by automation through the AI Data Engine and AFX, it delivers observability, resilience, and intelligence at scale.

Disaggregated by design, the NetApp data platform separates storage, services, and control so enterprises can modernize faster, scale efficiently, and innovate without lock-in. As the only enterprise storage platform natively embedded in the world’s largest clouds, it gives organizations the freedom to run any workload anywhere with consistent performance, governance, and protection.

With NetApp, data is always ready – ready to defend against threats, ready to power AI, and ready to drive the next breakthrough. That’s why the world’s most forward-thinking enterprises trust NetApp to turn intelligence into advantage.

NETAPP, the NETAPP logo, and the marks listed at www.netapp.com/TM are trademarks of NetApp, Inc. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

India’s Skill Revolution Accelerates: PM Modi Unveils PM-SETU, Felicitates ITI Toppers, Inaugurates 1,200 School Skill Labs

At a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presided over the Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, felicitating 46 All India Toppers from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across the country. This marked the 4th edition of the National Skill Convocation, a unique initiative that was first conceptualised under the inspiration of the Prime Minister to make skill development aspirational.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also launched PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs) — a landmark ₹60,000 crore centrally sponsored scheme to transform 1,000 Government ITIs across India into modern, industry-aligned training institutions.

PM-SETU will follow a hub-and-spoke model, with 200 hub ITIs linked to 800 spoke ITIs. Each hub will be equipped with advanced infrastructure, innovation and incubation centres, production units, training of trainer facilities, and placement services, while the spokes will extend access and outreach. The scheme will:

• Introduce new, demand-driven courses and revamp existing ones in collaboration with industry;
• Set up Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) with credible Anchor Industry Partners to manage clusters and ensure outcome-based training;
• Create pathways for long-term diplomas, short-term courses, and executive programs;
• Strengthen 5 National Skill Training Institutes in - Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Hyderabad (Telangana), Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Ludhiana (Punjab), as Centres of Excellence with global partnerships.

Under the first phase of PM-SETU, 15 hub-and-spoke ITI clusters have been identified across the country, spanning diverse regions and industrial ecosystems. These include Sonipat (Haryana), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Bijnor and Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Haridwar (Uttarakhand), Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh), Bengaluru Urban (Karnataka), Bharatpur (Rajasthan), Darbhanga and Patna (Bihar), Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Hyderabad (Telangana), Sambalpur (Odisha), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), and Guwahati (Assam)

Each cluster will serve as a centre of excellence in skills, equipped with advanced infrastructure, modern trades, and industry-led training, creating model ecosystems that can be replicated nationwide.

Adding a transformative step for school education, the Prime Minister also virtually inaugurated 1,200 Vocational Skill Labs set up in 400 Navodaya Vidyalayas and 200 Eklavya Model Residential Schools across 34 States and UTs.

These labs are designed to expose school-going children, including those from rural and tribal areas, to hands-on training in 12 high-demand sectors such as Information Technology, Automotive, Agriculture, Electronics, Logistics, BFSI and Tourism. Each lab is equipped with modern machinery, digital tools and simulation-based learning modules. In line with NEP 2020 and the CBSE curriculum, 1,200 vocational teachers have been trained to deliver industry-relevant learning, building an early pipeline of future-ready talent. This initiative will ensure that skilling starts at the school level, empowering students to explore multiple career pathways early in life.

In his address, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi underscored the central role of Industrial Training Institutes in shaping India’s skilled workforce. He said –

ITIs are not only premier institutions of industrial education, they are also the workshops of an Atmanirbhar Bharat.” He noted that these institutes are nurturing millions of young Indians with practical knowledge and employable skills, turning them into confident contributors to the nation’s economy. The Prime Minister emphasised that as India marches towards becoming a skill-based economy, ITIs will remain the bedrock of this transformation, equipping youth with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, said: “Today, Hon’ble Prime Minister has given a clear message to India’s youth — focus on your skills, pursue quality education and keep moving forward with confidence. Eleven years ago, when he created a dedicated Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, he laid the strong foundation for a Viksit Bharat. With initiatives like Kaushal Deekshant Samaroh, PM-SETU and the Skill Labs, we are carrying forward that vision to empower every young Indian to become self-reliant, capable and globally competitive.”

These announcements reaffirm the Government’s commitment to transforming India into a skill-based economy, preparing youth for opportunities in India and across the world, and accelerating the journey towards Viksit Bharat @2047.

Citizens GCC Joins Cognizant’s Flagship Outreach Program to Advance Rural Tech Talent in India

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) has announced that Citizens Financial Group’s Global Capability Centre (GCC) has joined its flagship Outreach program to advance skilling and employability for college students in rural communities across Telangana.

The program launched in Hyderabad in 2019 has reached over 4,000 students in Telangana, with 478 hired into technology roles at Cognizant—92% of them women. Nationally, the program has impacted 60,000 students through partnerships with more than 100 institutions, including colleges and nonprofits.

“Our Hyderabad GCC is designed as a hub for innovation and collaboration, and partnering with Cognizant’s Outreach program allows us to extend that purpose beyond business into communities,” said Michael Ruttledge, Chief Information Officer and Head of Enterprise Technology & Security, Citizens Financial Group. “This marks the beginning of our volunteering journey in India, and we are proud that our GCC associates will volunteer their time and expertise to help students unlock new opportunities and pathways to pursue careers in technology.”

As part of the collaboration, Citizens GCC associates will volunteer weekly to deliver a structured five-step employability training program for students in rural and tribal areas. The sessions will cover generative AI, communication and soft skills, life skills and include readiness for the AMCAT employability test.

“Cognizant Outreach is a powerful example of how our people bring purpose to life—using their mentoring skills to uplift communities and create pathways to opportunity,” said Surya Gummadi, President – Americas, Cognizant. “Our collaboration with Citizens’ GCC in Hyderabad strengthens this mission, combining shared values and collective action to equip students—especially young women in underserved areas—with the skills and confidence to thrive in technology careers. Together, we’re bridging the gap between skilling and industry, and scaling impact where it’s needed most.”

Launched in April 2025, the Citizens-Cognizant Global Capability Centre (GCC) in Hyderabad serves as a next-generation innovation hub supporting Citizens’ digital transformation and technology modernization. The GCC is expected to scale up to 1,000 IT and Data and Analytics professionals by March 2026.

Cognizant Outreach is a global, employee-driven volunteer platform focused on driving digital inclusion and supporting community development through initiatives in education, employability, and environmental sustainability.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) engineers modern businesses. We help our clients modernize technology, reimagine processes and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in our fast-changing world. Together, we’re improving everyday life. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.

About Citizens Financial Group, Inc.

Citizens Financial Group, Inc. is one of the nation’s oldest and largest financial institutions, with $217.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2024. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Citizens offers a broad range of retail and commercial banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, middle-market companies, large corporations and institutions. Citizens helps its customers reach their potential by listening to them and by understanding their needs in order to offer tailored advice, ideas and solutions. In Consumer Banking, Citizens provides an integrated experience that includes mobile and online banking, a full-service customer contact center and the convenience of approximately 3,100 ATMs and approximately 1,000 branches in 14 states and the District of Columbia. Consumer Banking products and services include a full range of banking, lending, savings, wealth management and small business offerings. In Commercial Banking, Citizens offers a broad complement of financial products and solutions, including lending and leasing, deposit and treasury management services, foreign exchange, interest rate and commodity risk management solutions, as well as loan syndication, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and debt and equity capital markets capabilities. More information is available at www.citizensbank.com or visit us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn or Facebook.

National Telecom R&D and Skilling Hub Takes Shape in Jabalpur, MP As BSNL Ties With Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco & Nokia

BSNL has launched a major industry-led digital skilling initiative at its premier training institute, Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur, in collaboration with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia. Here's a breakdown of the initiative's scope, objectives, and impact:

This development is a step towards a broader plan by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, to establish a Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT. Envisioned as an industry-led national hub, TIRTC will focus on developing telecom-specific R&D talent and a future-ready workforce — aligning with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Skill India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

TIRTC will also support product innovation, prototyping, and telecom entrepreneurship in the long term.

Initiative Overview

• Partners: Ericsson India, Qualcomm Technologies, Cisco Systems, Nokia Solutions and Networks India
• Location: Bharat Ratna Bhim Rao Ambedkar Institute of Telecom Training (BRBRAITT), Jabalpur
• Focus Areas: 5G, AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Networking
• Annual Training Goal: Over 2,000 students

Training Programs & Infrastructure

Partner	Contribution	Training Focus
Ericsson	5G Centre of Excellence + Ericsson Educate Program	Hands-on 5G training, global curriculum
Qualcomm	Qualcomm Institute + sponsored training for first 100 participants	Advanced 5G & AI, internships
Cisco	Cisco Networking Academy Program	Networking, cybersecurity, IT skills
Nokia	5G Centre of Excellence + AI/ML Lab + joint certification with BRBRAITT	5G radio/core networks, AI/ML

Strategic Goals

• Establish Telecom Innovation, Research and Training Centre (TIRTC) at BRBRAITT
• Support national missions: Digital India, Skill India, Make in India, Startup India, Atmanirbhar Bharat
• Build a digitally enabled, job-ready youth workforce. 
• Position Jabalpur as a national hub for telecom R&D, innovation, and skilling

Launch & Leadership

• MoUs signed in New Delhi
• Attended by Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal, BSNL leadership, and partner company representatives

Half of India’s Workforce Left Unskilled in the Past Year: upGrad Report

upGrad Enterprise – the corporate skilling division of Asia’s leading integrated lifelong learning company, upGrad has launched a groundbreaking industry report titled ‘Skilling Smarter: A Strategic Guide to Training Across Generations’. Based on insights from 12,300+ professionals across sectors, the report exposes the growing disconnect between employee needs and existing corporate training frameworks — driven by the evolving expectations of a multigenerational workforce.

Despite widespread recognition of upskilling as a business imperative, the report reveals that 50% of India’s workforce remained untrained in FY24-25, while 75% of employees engaged in learning only when mandated. Nearly 1 in 2 Indian workplaces still lack formal skilling strategies, resulting in inconsistent access and widening capability gaps. The findings highlight a lack of personalisation, access, and relevance in training models across generational cohorts, be it the pragmatic Gen X, the independent Gen Y, or the digital-first Gen Z.

Key findings include:

• 1 in 4 workplaces lack formal strategies: 50% of professionals receive no training in FY24–25; only 16% engaged in quarterly learning
• Mandates outweigh motivation: 75% train only when required; top barriers include irrelevance (51%), limited access (43%), and lack of time (42%)
• Mismatch in priorities: Organisations invest in technical and industry-focused skilling, while employees seek leadership, soft skills, and strategic thinking
• One workforce, many learners: Gen X values expert-led formats, Gen Y prefers structured flexibility, and Gen Z wants immersive, on-demand learning — yet 63% of HR leaders do not tailor programs by generation
• Skilling design vs learner preference: While 80% of GenZ train under managers, nearly 50% prefer self-paced or third-party learning formats
• Low investment, low ROI: 60% of HR Leaders allocate under 5% of HR budgets to skilling; 61.5% of CHROs report no measurable impact
• Format fatigue: 50% of GenZ equate skilling with preset digital modules, but 45% want interactive, real-world learning

“There’s a serious skilling gap emerging; we see companies budgeting annually but there’s very little to no skilling provided to employees. Let’s not forget that the pace of technology is outstripping organisational readiness, and we are not ready for the ripples it's going to create very soon. With this report, we want to go out with a strong message that in a multigenerational workplace, skilling — AI-focused and embedded with soft skills — must adapt to the learner’s needs, and not the other way around,” said Srikanth Iyengar, CEO, upGrad Enterprise. “Without personalized, real-time, and career-aligned learning, training becomes a checkbox activity - ineffective at best, costly at worst. This is where, our decade-long experience has been enabling us to design industry-relevant pedagogy and content - rooted in deep learner intelligence. We leverage workforce data effectively to craft adaptive learning journeys that align individual career aspirations with organisational goals, and ensure skills are not just acquired, but applied meaningfully for business impact.”

“Our goal with this report was to spark action, not just conversation, by grounding our insights in unassailable data and living our belief that 'data or it didn't happen.' What sets 'Skilling Smarter' apart is its dissection of the multifaceted challenges of a multigenerational workforce, built upon insights from over 12,300 professionals. This was a deliberate effort to ensure diverse representation and bring serious numbers to bear on serious issues. This rigorous foundation allows us to provide concrete, actionable frameworks for India Inc. As a leader in lifelong learning, upGrad understands the imperative of tailoring education to the learner. This report is our contribution to helping CHROs, L&D heads, and CXOs unlock the full potential of their talent investments by fostering a culture of relevant, outcome-linked, and truly impactful learning” added Shirin Rai Gupta, Director – Marketing, upGrad Enterprise.
The report serves as a strategic guide for CHROs, L&D heads, and CXOs, offering practical frameworks to future-proof their talent investments. It advocates for deeper personalisation, cross-generational thinking, and outcome-linked learning.

About upGrad Enterprise

upGrad Enterprise, the Corporate Skilling and Development division of upGrad—Asia's leading integrated skilling and workforce development company with over 10 million learners enrolled to date—creates impact at scale through its world-class learning programs and tailor-made training solutions. upGrad Enterprise partners with mid and large organisations to equip their workforce with market-ready skills and mindsets that drive success.

With a network of 3000 corporate partners and an impressive 90%+ training completion rate, upGrad Enterprise excels in delivering tailored skilling programs in high-demand fields such as AI and technology. Our offerings include corporate upskilling, government projects, and a train-and-deploy model for Global Capability Centres (GCCs) of leading and Fortune 500 brands, strengthening organisational leadership with new-age skill sets as they spread their footprint across Indian metropolitan cities. These solutions span the employee lifecycle to facilitate digital and business transformation in alignment with organisational goals, leading to capability building and value generation. A two-gold Awards recipient at the Brandon Hall, upGrad Enterprise trained over 600,000 professionals in a single year during FY24. For more details, please visit: https://www.upgrad-enterprise.com/

PayPal Partners With India's NSDC to Empower Youth With Industry-relevant Skills in Financial Sector

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has partnered with PayPal to empower youth, including women, from low-income families through skill development across India. As part of PayPal CSR programme, the two organisations formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a comprehensive skill development initiative, specifically targeting India's Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) sector.

Dr Rishikesh Patankar, Vice President, NSDC and Srini Venkatesan, Global Chief Technology Officer, PayPal, exchanged the MoU in presence of senior members of both the organisations on Friday.

The key objective of the MoU is the economic empowerment for thousands of youth, with a special focus on women from low-income families through skill development. The candidates will be provided livelihood opportunities through skill enhancement, soft skills and personality development training. The training will ensure that they are job-ready.

Dr Rishikesh Patankar said, “At NSDC, our mission is to prepare youth with the essential skills required for employment. This collaboration signifies a major step forward in empowering the youth and women of India to play a vital role in the nation’s progress and development. By providing them with industry-specific skills in the financial sector, we are opening doors to opportunities for meaningful careers and entrepreneurial endeavours."

As per the MoU, specialised training programmes that are National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF)-aligned will be offered to candidates. They will be provided training courses of 420 hours to 480 hours in their respective fintech domains, including Bancassurance Relationship Associate, Customer Service Associate- Financial Services, Sales Associate- Direct Channel, MIS Analyst- Financial Services, GST Assistant and Account Assistant. This will ensure that the candidates receive high-quality training and develop the financial acumen needed to secure a job or embark on their entrepreneurial journey in the sector.

V. Chandramouliswaran , Vice President PayPal India Global Technology centre said “We are delighted to partner with NSDC in this unique initiative which directly supports the Indian Government’s Skill India vision. Collaborating with NSDC allows us to empower Indian youth and women with valuable skills, opening doors to economic opportunity and enabling them to contribute to India's vibrant growth story."

NSDC will implement the project across various districts in the country, including Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Patna (Bihar), Hyderabad (Telangana), Surat (Gujarat), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bengaluru (Karnataka), Mumbai (Maharashtra), and Ranchi (Jharkhand). As of March 11, 2025, candidates are undergoing training across these districts.

NSDC will also support the candidates in their endeavour to secure jobs through its extensive network. It will ensure that at least 70% of the candidates participate in job fairs and interviews. NSDC will also help candidates explore self-employment opportunities.

This partnership is expected to narrow the skill gap in the BFSI sector while supporting budding individuals realise their dreams of making a career in the sector.

Visa and Skill India Ink 3-Year Partnership to Upskill 20,000 Youth in Tourism-relevant Skills

Visa has partnered with the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to upskill 20,000 Indian youths in tourism-related skills.

This three-year partnership, valued at up to $1 million, aims to enhance the tourism service experience across 10 states, including Assam, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.

The program will focus on essential roles within the tourism industry, such as tour guides, customer service executives, naturalists, and paragliding tandem pilots.

This initiative is expected to boost employment prospects for the youth and improve the overall experience for tourists visiting India.

The Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) is a key player in India’s skill development ecosystem, operating under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

Notably, India’s tourism sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy and employment. Here are some key points about the tourism industry in India:

Tourism contributes around 5.8% to India’s GDP. The sector supports approximately 32.1 million jobs, which is about 7.3% of the total employment in the country

THSC aims to bridge the skill gap in the tourism and hospitality industry by creating a robust and sustainable ecosystem for skill development.

Besides this, Visa has been actively forming partnerships in India across various sectors. The American multinational payment card services corporation has also partnered with major Indian banks like State Bank of India and HDFC Bank to expand their merchant payments acceptance network. Additionally, Visa launched the ‘Visa in a Box’ accelerator program with ICICI Bank to support fintech startups.

Moreover, Visa is collaborating with UPI payment solution providers and digital wallets to integrate card payments with QR code-based transactions. This partnership aims to enhance the flexibility and convenience of digital payments for consumers.

NSDC Partners HCLTech to Transform Job Markets from Qualification-based to Skill-based Hiring

Aligned with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to empower India’s youth through digital technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has entered into a partnership with HCLTech to bridge the skills gap, particularly in the tech and engineering sectors. Under this collaboration, both the organizations will work together to promote the adoption of technology among learners from diverse backgrounds and explore new global markets and business opportunities.

The agreement was exchanged by Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director, HCLTech. This partnership comes shortly after the recent G20's Digital Economy Working Group (DEWG) meeting, which achieved consensus on deliverables in three discussion areas: Digital Skilling, Digital Economy, and Digital Public Infrastructure.

This strategic partnership will enable NSDC and HCLTech to jointly transform the assessment landscape and digital learning by introducing digital assessments in tech and non-tech-based courses (B2B & B2C). There is also scope for collaborating on the creation of new products and programs to enhance talent with flexibility and scale. Additionally, to ensure that every Indian has access to quality training, the focus will be on enhancing the impact of learning by jointly developing and offering industry-relevant resources and tools. Under the partnership, the vision to add new dimension in assessment for setting standards in digital learning indicates the keenness of both the organizations to provide a regular check in learning and augment access to technology.

Praising this initiative, Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC, said, “NSDC and HCLTech are entering into this partnership with a commitment to enhance the trust in job markets. Both organizations will jointly develop an assessment platform where students and working professionals can get themselves assessed and certified for skills in demand. This is a significant step towards moving from qualification-based hiring to skill-based hiring. Both parties will also collaborate to offer reskilling, upskilling online courses to prepare for opportunities in a dynamic job market.”

It is estimated that the assessments market is expected to grow to $10B+ by 2027. North America accounted for the largest (~40%) revenue share in 2021. Europe plays a significant role in international employability and rate of employment, hence contributing to the growing share in assessment services market. APAC market is expected to register the fastest revenue growth during the forecast period

As part of the agreement, NSDC and HCLTech will jointly leverage each other’s technical and domain expertise in the Assessment platform, Assessment & hiring test (both tech and non-tech), Smart labs (coding and data science), Learning programs, Faculty development & certification programs, and Advisory services for government and institutions.

Besides, both parties will also collaborate in creating joint IPs for digitalizing and digitizing assessments, covering the wider landscape of skilling as well as educational ecosystem and engage in advisory services and positioning tech solutions.

Commenting on the occasion, Srimathi Shivashankar, Corporate Vice President and Global Head, EdTech Business, HCLTech, said, “We are delighted to join forces with NSDC to leverage digital technologies to build a future-ready talent ecosystem for India and the rest of the world. I am confident that HCLTech’s proven Career Shaper learning and assessments platforms and NSDC experience in talent and nation building can make a significant impact in how technology can be smartly used for skilling.”

Under its EdTech Business, HCLTech leverages its vast experience to assist governments, enterprises and educational institutions in establishing technology and talent skill academies through its Career Shaper learning and assessment platforms.

NSDC, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, is actively advancing digital skills for India's youth by integrating technology into skill development. Online learning platforms and digital resources have been introduced, making training materials more accessible and adaptable to changing industry trends.

NSDC's digital learning initiatives collaborate with Indian and global partners, offering access to over 1.4 lakh minutes of multi lingual digital content in various sectors.This extensive resource pool equips learners with the necessary digital skills for today's rapidly transforming world. Furthermore, NSDC's partnerships with industry leaders have resulted in industry-specific skill development programs, aligning training with industry needs and improving the quality of training while enhancing employment prospects for candidates. These collaborations bridge the gap between education and employment in the digital age, promoting India's digital skills revolution.

The recently launched Skill India Digital (SID) is one such platform that will play a pivotal role in transforming India into a thriving digital economy. This initiative coincides with the global consensus on Digital Public Infrastructures (DPI) during India's G20 presidency. The platform will also prepare the younger generation for international job opportunities, aligning with the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to make India a global skill hub.

Giving boost to Indian Government Skill India Mission, NSDC, a nodal skill development agency, working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India, is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) that aims to catalyze the creation of a large and quality vocational training ecosystem in India. Since inception, NSDC has trained over three crore people in different sectors through its collaboration with training partners pan India. NSDC has established 37 Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) and implements the Government’s flagship skill development schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), among others. NSDC also funds enterprises, companies and organizations that provide skill training. The organization enables private-sector capacity building in skill development by offering concessional loans, other innovative financial products, and strategic partnerships. For more information, please visit at https://nsdcindia.org

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 221,000 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending September 2023 totaled $12.9 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.

Kaam.com and NRAI Partner to Launch India’s 1st Employment and Skilling Platform for the Hospitality Industry

The next generation tech platform aims to mobilise and create new employment opportunities for India’s diverse talent pool.

Kaam.com is a tech enabled staffing and employment platform for the hospitality sector that has been co-built with The National Restaurant Association of India ( NRAI ). The platform has taken a holistic approach by offering access to employment opportunities as well as upskilling, training, and financial inclusion. Kaam.com is Spearheaded by entrepreneur, Mr. Rishi Khiani and Agnelo Miranda.

With hospitality accounting for 8% of India’s workforce, this is the first ever industry driven solution to mobilise a large part of India’s fragmented talent pool. The platform uses Web3 technology including blockchain, machine learning, AI, and multimedia to create a modern interactive profile that replaces the dated CV. The hybrid online-offline approach to sourcing talent addresses the existing inefficiencies within the recruitment process.

Effective hiring has always been a challenge for the hospitality industry which was only exacerbated by the pandemic. 80% of India’s hospitality workforce is migratory and nationwide job discovery has always been a challenge for job seekers. Kaam.com is addressing this pain point through its offline-online hybrid model of talent sourcing. Its Blockchain-powered employee profiles provide authenticated employment and certification history.

The business has been modelled on three pillars: Recruitment, Skilling, and Financial Benefits. At its core, Kaam.com is a marketplace for employment opportunities within the hospitality sector that matches the demand for jobs with the supply of skilled human capital. It goes beyond just providing a job with a community approach to upskilling and future growth opportunities. The platform provides a suite of value-added financial services like salary advances, insurance, and benefits from ecosystem enablers like travel, boarding and commerce.

“The NRAI is committed to resolving pain points and creating solutions for the industry and its members. Co-building this solution and partnering with kaam.com, not only improves the ease of hiring but makes employment opportunities more accessible for job seekers all over India,” stated Kabir Suri, President-NRAI.

Rishi Khiani, Founder, Kaam.com said, “Our mission at Kaam.com has been to mobilise India's amazing talent at scale while making a lasting impact on middle and low-income communities. The hospitality industry is one of India's largest job creators and the employment opportunities it creates has the power to not just transform India's billion-strong workforce but also improve their quality of life with dignity of labour."

The team at NRAI led by Rachel Goenka and Pranav Rungta have been working closely with the team at Kaam.com to effectively address the pain points that the industry has been facing, as well as developing employee forward features such as skilling, training, certification, verification, and access to financial services and benefits. Restaurateurs, Hoteliers, Chefs and Industry stalwarts, are collaborating with Kaam.com to create high quality training content and certification. NRAI seeks to increase the pool of talent within the industry by accelerated skill development programs and local initiatives

Kaam.com is a next generation talent and recruitment company with instant access to high quality full-time, flexible, and on-demand workers across all verticals (Blue Collar, White Collar and Gig Workers) The company has built a proprietary AI engine for skill and culture mapping and a vertical recruiter network to source potential candidates from across India. Kaam.com is founded by Rishi Khiani, the founder of Scootsy, Fork Media Group (Curly Tales, Mashable, IGN, Hauterrfly, AskMen) and Urban Eye Media. In the past he has led the Internet businesses for the Times Group and Network18.

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) is the voice of the Indian Restaurant Industry. Founded in 1982, it represents the interests of 500000+ Restaurants, an industry valued at INR 4.23 lakh crores. NRAI aspires to promote and strengthen the Indian Food Service Sector. The Association has a pan India presence and is governed by a committee of members.

Ireland-based MedTech Company Medtronic and Kerala Govt.’s ASAP Sign MoU to Advance Skill Development in the State

Medtronic is the Only MedTech Company to Engage in this Partnership with ASAP

Goal of Providing 12-Month Internship Opportunities for Qualified Students

Bengaluru, India – August 25, 2021 – India Medtronic Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Medtronic plc (NYSE:MDT) – the world’s largest medical technology, services, and solutions company – today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Government of Kerala’s promoted Section 8 Company, Additional Skill Acquisition Programme Kerala (ASAP), to equip final year students with advanced skill sets and improve overall employability within the healthcare industry.

Under this program, ASAP will continue to provide and implement skill development programmes for youth through its Advanced Skill Development Centres. Simultaneously, through the Acquire Early Program, Medtronic will leverage this talent pool for its internship projects, that will see students benefit from mentorship support, constructive job experience and enhancement of their overall soft and employable skills. In addition, final year students from Tier 3 and Tier 4 institutes will undergo the Bridge Program developed by ASAP and upon successful completion, will be assessed for internship opportunities by Medtronic.

“As the largest medical technology company in the world, Medtronic has enabled skill proficiency building across biomedical engineering and multiple therapy areas, significantly contributing to the healthcare ecosystem in India. Our partnership with ASAP is one more step in that direction,” said Madan Krishnan, vice president and managing director, Medtronic India. “Through this program, we hope to extend opportunities to students to join the innovative world of medical technology and contribute to improving access to latest therapies. We firmly believe that our internship program provides an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and understand a rapidly growing and evolving med-tech industry. We remain confident that through our collaboration, we will leverage our common strengths, and continue to work with students and develop the skilling eco-system in the country, aligning with Government’s Skill India vision.”

“The very philosophy of ASAP as a skill development agency is to accentuate the employability of the youth. We look forward to leveraging this philosophy through a mutually benefitting collaboration with Medtronic and offer some unique opportunities for the youth of Kerala,” said Dr. Usha Titus, chairperson and managing director, ASAP Kerala.

Focused on providing students an immersion into the med-tech job market, Medtronic and ASAP will also partner on deploying a series of insight led webinars and guest lectures designed for third year and final year engineering students. Key Medtronic leaders will interact with young minds through these interactive sessions with the goal of providing aspiring students a peak into a career in the med-tech sector.

Additional Skill Acquisition Programme Kerala (ASAP Kerala) is a not for profit company under Government of Kerala, India, that invests in provision of industry relevant skills. Over the last 8 years, ASAP Kerala has created a unique demand-based, industry-led skill training ecosystem in the State through 121 Skill Development Centres connecting Higher Secondary Schools and Arts and Science Colleges, Advanced Skill Development Centres (ASDCs) in 90 Engineering Colleges and 45 Polytechnics institutions and 16 Community Skill Parks (CSPs) for multi-skill training.

Medtronic plc (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is among the world’s largest medical technology, services and solutions companies – alleviating pain, restoring health and extending life for millions of people around the world. Medtronic employs more than 90,000 people worldwide, serving physicians, hospitals, and patients in more than 150 countries. The company is focused on collaborating with stakeholders around the world to take healthcare Further, Together.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

For Skilling Students, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Inaugurates CoE at Vemana Institute of Technology, Bengaluru

In furtherance of its commitment to the Skill India mission, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence (CoE) at Vemana Institute of Technology (VIT), Bangalore. The Vemana-Toyota CoE has been developed under a Memorandum of Understanding between TKM and VIT. TKM has been developing CoEs at various colleges to help students become industry-ready, having established 12 centres thus far, it plans to create more such facilities in the future.

The CoE set up within the VIT campus in Bangalore under the mechanical engineering department features Toyota engine, transmission, and powertrain as cut section and do-it-yourself models to provide hands-on experience of automotive mechanisms to the students. VIT is one of the leading engineering colleges in Karnataka since its inception in 1999 by the Karnataka Reddy Jana Sangha (KRJS).

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. S. Jayaram Reddy, President, KRJS, who presided over the inauguration ceremony on Thursday, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Toyota, which is at the forefront of pioneering automotive technologies across the world. The CoE will serve as a great learning resource and a practical tool for our students beyond the classrooms. Such initiatives are vital to make our students industry-ready and employable for the fast-growing automobile sector in the country. We are thankful to the Toyota management for their vital contribution to the skill development of our students and look forward to furthering our collaboration in the time to come."

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sudeep S. Dalvi, Senior Vice President, Director & Chief Communication Officer, TKM, who was the chief guest for the occasion, said, “As a manufacturer, we understand the emerging skill landscape and the gaps that exist in the formal training avenues. It is our endeavour to help plug this skills gap and create industry-ready talent that will enable the auto industry on its path to greater localization and self-reliance. With the CoE, the aim is to foster experiential learning so that students can develop a good understanding of key automotive components and technologies. We are happy to join hands with the management of VIT for this initiative and hope together we can create more learning opportunities for the students."

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials of TKM, management committee members of KRJS and senior staff, faculty members and students of VIT.

AISECT To Implement Skill Development Training for Women Beneficiaries under CSR Partnership with Microsoft and NSDC

AISECT will manage the project in seven remote locations of Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh

New Delhi, 21st June 2021: AISECT Group India’s leading social enterprise working in the areas of Skill Development, Higher Education, Financial Inclusion, e-Governance and other ICT-based services in the semi-urban and rural areas of the country, has been entrusted by National Skill Development Corportaion (NSDC) and Microsoft for their digital project operating in rural India. NSDC and Microsoft have collaborated recently to transform India into a digitally empowered nation through NSDC’s eSkill India portal. Further, Microsoft in association with NSDC has initiated a project which is a skill development programme for creating data entry executives exclusively for females, targeting beneficiaries from rural and semi-urban parts of India. The project’s target is to develop ICT-based skills in women residing in the project locations and generate employment. AISECT will implement the project in seven locations; Bemetara, Rajgarh, Narayanpur, Bijapur, Durg, Jhansi and Chitrakoot.

Microsoft’s project works with the mission to empower females across different organisations to widen the horizons of digital literacy in India. AISECT has pioneered 36 years of experience in skill development through ICT-based services in rural and semi-rural parts of the country and hence due to the synergies between the two entities, the project is getting implemented by AISECT at 7 locations.

AISECT has been working for the upliftment and financial independence of females for a long time. AISECT, through its all-inclusive pro-women project, is bringing ICT centres for vocational training to women in rural and semi-urban communities. By combining free vocational training, skills development like entrepreneurship and job placement programs, the AISECT model has trained 400,000 marginalized girls in 400 districts in India till date. In addition to that number, 2,000 women entrepreneurs have also emerged from the program, successfully running their micro-enterprises, accounting for employment of 5,000 people today.

AISECT’s CSR Partnership with Microsoft and NSDC is a further step towards meeting the objective of targeting women beneficiaries in a concerted manner and link them up with wage employment/ self-employment opportunities, by providing them quality skill development training. Previously, Under CSR activities of several corporate & PSUs like JSW Foundation, SauryaUrja, Power Grid, NALCO, AVG Global, MECL, CREDAI, NTPC, IOCL, NHDC, Schneider Electric & CFICL, AISECT has executed digital literacy, capacity building and skill development programmes for school students, youth & construction workers. More than 5000 beneficiaries have been covered under these initiatives.

NSDC and WhatsApp launch “Digital Skill Champions Program” to fuel skill development and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth

The alliance aims to support Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision to make India the Skill Capital of the World

Dr Manish Kumar, CEO & MD, NSDC and Mr Shivnath Thukral, Director, Public Policy, WhatsApp, virtually launching the digital skills programme

Bengaluru, India | 24 June 2021: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and WhatsApp today announced an alliance to launch the Digital Skill Champions Program that aims to train India’s youth on digital skills, in order to make them employment ready. Through this program, school and university students would be coached to imbibe digital and online skills that would culminate with WhatsApp and NSDC awarding ‘Digital Skill Champions’ certification. The course is based on a module-format, is comprehensive and intensive in imparting knowledge about important aspects of the online ecosystem, equipping students with technology-based learning on campuses across tier 3 and 4 towns and cities throughout the country.

The partnership identifies two broad areas of collaboration viz., WhatsApp Digital Skills Academy and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) and WhatsApp Business App Training sessions.

WhatsApp Digital Skills Academy: As part of the Digital Skill Academies, young adults from tier 3 and 4 cities will be trained on critical aspects of digital safety and online privacy. These digital academies will deliver safe technology-based learning among the youth and train them on taking charge of their safety online as they embark on their professional journeys. The initiative will kick off with a pilot across 50 campuses in five states, namely Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The program will be imparted through WhatsApp’s project implementation partner- InfiSpark.

PMKK and WhatsApp Business App Training: WhatsApp will conduct training sessions to familiarise Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra trainers with the WhatsApp Business app. The training will cover modules on leveraging benefits of the WhatsApp Business app and to make small business entrepreneurship aspirational for young skill seekers. The trained PMKK community cadres will further manage and administer the WhatsApp Business app training to youth aspiring to become small business entrepreneurs.

Announcing the program, Dr. Manish Kumar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) said --

In a rapidly evolving digital world, NSDC aims to extend scope of virtual learning for youth across India. It aims to empower youth with new-age skills to make them employable and more productive in their work environment.

Talking about the partnership, Mr. Shivanth Thukral, Director - Public Policy, WhatsApp- India said, “We are honoured to be a part of NSDC’s mission to skill India and to take shop floor readiness training to the last mile. As India embraces digital innovation and entrepreneurship, it is imperative that the youth today are made aware of and educated about how they can upskill themselves and take charge of their presence online. At WhatsApp, we believe that online safety and privacy are vital drivers to a progressive digital society. Through this partnership, we are committed to enhance the digital skills of
the aspiring entrepreneurs and empower the youth of our country to create a safe digital environment for all."

About National Skill Development Corporation

National Skill Development Corporation, working under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, is a unique public-private-partnership that aims to catalyze the creation of a quality vocational training ecosystem in India. Since its inception in 2010, NSDC has trained more than 2.5 crore people through its partnership with 600+ training partners, 11,000+ training centers spread over 600+ districts across the country. NSDC has established 36 Sector Skill Councils and is implementing Government’s flagship skill development schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), among others.

About WhatsApp

With 15 million monthly users of the business app in India, and more than 50 million globally, businesses are finding tremendous value through WhatsApp. WhatsApp has played an instrumental role in helping small businesses interact with their customers and optimize sales especially now at the difficult time of the pandemic, when digital tools continue to serve as a lifeline for businesses and customers to stay connected. This association is another meaningful step towards WhatsApp’s commitment of driving digital and financial inclusion in India.

PMKVY 3.0 Will Take Skilling to the Remotest of Villages and Towns in India: Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey

• Focus on strengthening District Skill Committees (DSC) for demand-driven skill training
• PMKVY 3.0 aims to train eight lakh candidates
• More than 1.2 Crore youth have been trained/oriented through improved standardized skilling ecosystem in the country under PMKVY 1.0 and PMKVY 2.0

In a bid to empower India’s youth with employable skills, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) today launched Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 3.0, in nearly 600 districts making 300+ skill courses available to the youth, making skill development more demand-driven and decentralised in its approach.
 
Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Union Minister, MSDE launched the third edition of PMKVY in a virtual ceremony along with Shri RK Singh, Hon’ble Minister of State, MSDE. Aimed at supporting the local economy, PMKVY 3.0 has been designed to keep pace with changing demands, both at the global and local levels.
 
Launched in 717 districts, 28 States/eight UTs, PMKVY 3.0 marks yet another step towards ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. PMKVY 3.0 will be implemented in a more decentralized structure with greater responsibilities and support from States/UTs and Districts. District Skill Committees (DSCs), under the guidance of State Skill Development Missions (SSDM), shall play a key role in addressing the skill gap and assessing demand at the district level. The new scheme will be more trainee- and learner-centric addressing the ambitions of aspirational Bharat.
 
PMKVY 2.0 has been instrumental in bolstering the skilling ecosystem and with PMKVY 3.0, skill development will usher in a new paradigm with focus on demand-driven skill development, digital technology and Industry 4.0 skills. The Government’s growth agenda is guided by ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Vocal for Local’ vision. Keeping this in mind, PMKVY 3.0 is a progressive step towards achieving the vision by establishing increased connect at state, district and block level. PMKVY 2.0 broadened the skill development with inclusion of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and focus on training. With the advent of PMKVY 3.0, the focus is on bridging the demand-supply gap by promoting skill development in areas of new-age and Industry 4.0 job roles
 
While the National Educational Policy puts focus on vocational training for a holistic growth and increased employability, PMKVY 3.0 role will be a propagator of vocational education at an early level for youth to capitalize on industry-linked opportunities
 
Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Minister of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said, “Prime Minister’s vision of Vocal for local and Atmanirbhar Bharat can only be achieved by furthering the skilling ecosystem to the district level. As a young nation, we’re poised to seize the opportunities that will make India the Skill Capital of the World. By taking the bottom-up approach to training, PMKVY 3.0 will identify job roles that have demand at the local level and skill the youth, linking them to these opportunities.”
 
“The increased role of district administrations and MPs in mentoring and monitoring the training programs under the schemes will bring in greater local connect. PMKVY 3.0 will encourage healthy competition between states by making available increased allocation to those states that perform better,” he added.
 
Shri RK Singh, Union Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Minister of State, MSDE, said, “Skilling is not an objective but a necessary prerequisite for the economic growth of the country. We need to move with speed and scale if we have to fulfil the vision of making India the skill capital of the world and from there, the industrial capital of the world.”
 
The launch saw participation of various Members of Parliament and Skill Development Ministers from six states. Candidates from Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKKS) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh; Satna, Madhya Pradesh; Meethapur, Badarpur; Cuttack, Odisha; South Delhi also interacted with the ministers, and shared inspirational experiences of how skill training has transformed their lives and taken them closer to fulfilling their aspirations. In a freewheeling discussion, candidates spoke about additional courses they felt the need to train in their respective centres.
 
Both ministers assured candidates and heads of PMKK centres that they would be provided the additional courses that will help them cater to local demand. Amid messages congratulating MSDE for the success of PMKVY 1.0 and 2.0, ‘vocal for local’ emerged as a recurring theme, as all MPs and PMKK centres spoke about the need to build a local talent pool that can cater to industry demands.
 
The event was graced by the august presence of Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Hon’ble Union Minister, MSDE, Shri RK Singh, Union Minister of State (I/C) Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy and Minister of State, MSDE, Shri. Praveen Kumar, Secretary, MSDE, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Additional Secretary, MSDE and Dr. Manish Kumar, MD and CEO, National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). Shri AM Naik, Chairman, NSDC and Group Chairman, L&T also remotely addressed the event, highlighting the efforts made by NSDC in accelerating the skilling ecosystem and announced the launch of L&T Skill Trainers Academy Mumbai. 
 
Members of Parliament from eight constituencies across the country interacted with Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey and Shri RK Singh to talk about skill development efforts in their states and welcomed the third phase of PMKVY. Additionally, State Skill Ministers from six states — Gujarat, Odisha, Assam, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka — extended their best wishes to the program.
 
For more information on Skill Development, please follow the links below:

PMKVY Facebook: www.facebook.com/PMKVYOfficial
Skill India Facebook: www.facebook.com/SkillIndiaOfficial
Skill India Twitter: www.twitter.com/@MSDESkillindia
Skill India YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzNfVNX5yLEUhIRNZJKniHg

Skill Ministry, Tata Launch 1st Batch of Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai

• First batch will include two short-term courses in Factory Automation and Digital (Smart) Manufacturing;
• TATA IIS, Mumbai offers 75% scholarship for first 100 students as early bird incentive

With the vision of propelling India to the forefront of skill development and job creation under Skill India Mission and to provide an impetus to Skill India programme through private sector participation, the first batch of trainings at the Tata-Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai was launched at a virtual event today by Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. The institute is a joint initiative between Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India and Tata Indian Institute of Skills. Formal agreement for setting up institute has been signed between MSDE and TATA IIS on 11th November, 2020.

The first batch at TATA-Indian Institute of Skills will commence training with two courses in Factory Automation, with duration ranging from1 to 4 weeks, depending upon the pre-qualification profile of the trainee.The institute will also offer scholarships to the first 100 students along with attractive fee options during this initial launch phase. An early bird scholarship scheme of 75% has also been announced for the first 100 students/trainees.

Speaking at the launch event, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said, “With an aim to provide high-quality technical and vocational learning across various sectors, the foundation for state-of-the-art infrastructure was laid last year and today with the launch of its first set of courses at IIS Mumbai, I can proudly say that we are inching closer to achieve the vision of our Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi of making India the ‘Skill Capital of the World’. Following the footsteps of other prominent centers of education in the country, IIS Mumbai will be instrumental in imparting world-class training to help build a future ready workforce. I extend my gratitude towards the Government of Maharashtra and Tata Group for extending support towards Skill India Mission and I am hopeful that this collaboration will transform the state’s youth from job seekers to job creators."

The Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Maharashtra, Shri Nawab Malik also graced the occasion with his presence and expressed maximum support on behalf of the Maharashtra Government in making this initiative a grand success for the country.

The institute envisages partnerships with multiple private organizations who are leaders in their respective fields, two of which are currently in place, with FESTO, a global leader in industrial automation and SMC Corporation, Japan, world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic components, for trainings.The two courses launched today will focus on Factory Automation, envisaged to be the foundation for future courses and Smart Manufacturing (Industry 4.0) technology and applications, to prepare youth for emerging job roles of the next five years and beyond. The courses will be offered at Tata-IIS interim campus at the National Skills Training Institute (NSTI), Chembur. The institute’s permanent campus, currently under construction in the campus of National Skill Trainers’ Institute (NSTI), Mumbai, is likely to be operational by 2022, and will have a capacity of over 5,000 trainings per year.

Mr. Girish Krishnamurthy, Director, Tata IIS, said, “This is a key development in India’s journey to provide skilling and job-readiness to its youth. The institute aspires to become a beacon to other institutions of its kind in the years to come.”

The primary goal behind setting up the institute is to create industry-ready workforce as per the evolving demands of the national and global markets. It aspires to be one of the most premier training institutions in the country and will be equipped with world-class vocational training facilities. The institute plans to provide trainings in highly specialized areas such as defense, oil & gas, aerospace, and other emerging businesses to meet industry demands.

Training and learning at Tata-IIS Mumbai will be driven through strong industry connect in both public and private sectors. Equipped with modern training methodologies leveraging digital and augmented learning platforms, the institute will also focus on apprenticeship-embedded courses and offering higher order qualifications in conjunction with other universities.

Mahindra Group Commits to Skilling 1 Million Under-Resourced Youth by 2025

It has skilled 500,000 youth and created 100,000 jobs in the last 15 years

 

Mumbai, December 17, 2020: Mahindra Group today announced that in its 75th milestone year, its skilling initiatives like Mahindra Pride Schools & Classrooms, SMART ACADEMY, SMART Plus, and Surya Mitra have skilled 500,000 youth and Mahindra Pride School alone has created 100,000 jobs in the last 15 years. It commits to further skill 500,000 youth in the next 5 years. At an event today, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group unveiled 'The Job Factory' a coffee table book that chronicles riveting stories of 75 young alumni of Mahindra Pride School. With an aim to spread awareness about skilling for employability, a digital film #SkillHaiTohFutureHai was launched on social media recently.

The protagonists of India's economic growth story are its youth, its demographic dividend. Gainful employment provides under-resourced youth dignity, identity, empowerment to overcome socio-economic challenges. However, the skill-gap continues to remain a critical challenge. In 2005 on its 60th anniversary, the Mahindra Group had taken a pole position towards affirmative action in youth skilling in presence of Hon. Former President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam and announced the setting up of two Mahindra Pride Schools (MPS) as part of its CSR initiatives. In the wake of the disruptions caused by the pandemic, Mahindra Group with Naandi Foundation as the implementation partner, will re-calibrate the curriculum to impart employable skills required in the post-COVID era. The program will look to expand the curriculum to new domains of agriculture, healthcare, ecommerce, services and entrepreneurship in addition to technology. MPS will also treble the pace of job creation by providing 100,000 additional jobs in the next five years vis-à-vis 15 years.

Anand Mahindra commented on the impact of the skilling initiative and said, "Mahindra Pride School was created with an aim to nurture and unlock the potential of youth from weaker sections of our society. The more I interact with the Pride School alumni I wonder why we address them as youth from 'weaker' sections, their indomitable spirit in fact makes them the 'stronger' section of our society. Their achievements and career trajectory strongly complement this viewpoint. I couldn't be more heartened to see the impact Mahindra Pride School has brought to these youth, living up to the promise we made years ago."

Manoj Kumar, CEO, Naandi Foundation, said, "Despite our demographic advantage, millions of India's youth from socially & economically disadvantaged communities never make it to the Job Market in the organised sector. Through the Mahindra Pride School programme we created a unique curriculum that enabled such youth to access these 'Job readiness courses' and ensured they got secure proverbial 'five figure salaried jobs'. The 100,000 jobs that we created is a testimony that the misfortune of an ovarian lottery can be reversed. But for that, we all need to support such efforts."

'The Job Factory' coffee table book is visualised and authored by Manoj Kumar, photography and design is by the ace photographer Nevin John and drawings are by Nijeena Neelambaram. It is available online (click here) or please write to dmello.sabina@mahindra.com for a printed copy.

Sheetal Mehta, Senior Vice President – CSR, Mahindra Group, said, "It has been fulfilling to see our graduates being offered placements based on skills learned at Mahindra Pride Schools. Through their jobs, not only have their standards of living improved, but more importantly they are looked upon with respect from their communities. We are confident that in the future too we will be to create more jobs by focussing on demand driven skills training." 

Mahindra Pride School (MPS) is a Mahindra Group CSR initiative established in 2005 that aims to skill the youth of India. MPS has been spread across the country with centres in Chennai, Pune, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Srinagar, Patna and Varanasi over the years. It is meant exclusively for youth (18-25 years) from socially disadvantaged sections i.e., (SC), (ST), (OBC), Notified Tribes (NT) and De-notified Tribes (DNT). They offer equal opportunity for men and women, with a focus on rural youth. It is non-residential and offers various alternative livelihood options to the students free of cost. 'Road Shows' are conducted for a month in specific communities /hamlets with a high SC/ST/OBC/NT/DNT population to spread information about MPS and encourage the youth to enrol for the training offered by the school. The youth are groomed in spoken English, grooming and soft skills and imparted domain specific training either of the verticals - IT enabled services, Organised Retail, Hospitality and QSRs, and the Automotive Sector.

The Mahindra Pride program was designed with Naandi Foundation to operate as a hub and spoke model. The hub being Mahindra Pride Schools, and the spoke being Mahindra Pride classrooms set up within Polytechnics, Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and Arts & Science colleges across the country. Naandi Foundation further curated the skilling curriculum in the domains of Retail, Hospitality, ITES and Auto by collaborating with 300-400 corporates in these sectors to ensure its students would be "job ready". During the pandemic, Mahindra Pride schools worked on remote learning thus ensuring continuous training for its students.

The Mahindra Group is a USD 19.4 billion federation of companies that enables people to rise through innovative mobility solutions, driving rural prosperity, enhancing urban living, nurturing new businesses and fostering communities. It enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, information technology, financial services and vacation ownership in India and is the world's largest tractor company by volume. It also enjoys a strong presence in renewable energy, agribusiness, logistics and real estate development. Headquartered in India, Mahindra employs over 2,56,000 people across 100 countries.