Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate India's Skill Ecosystem

Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan had launched several strategic partnerships to enhance India’s skill ecosystem On March 14, 2024.

The event was graced by Dr. Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Chairman of NCVET, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of MSDE, and other dignitaries.

The aim is to bridge the gap between industry requirements and skill development initiatives, ensuring that India’s young workforce remains competitive and adaptable to emerging trends.

The event also marked the launch of Mock Test 2.0 by NIMI in 12 languages and 4 new courses in Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), aimed at preparing youth for the technology-driven market.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted the significance of skilling initiatives in preparing the workforce for modern job markets. He emphasized that the new Centers of Excellence will equip youth with industry-aligned skills, enhancing employability and fostering entrepreneurship, thereby driving economic growth.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships with industry partners

MSDE has signed 19 MoUs with various departments that include:

1 led by the Directorate General of Training (DGT).
3 MoUs signed by the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD).
5 under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
1 under PM Vishwakarma.
9 MoUs through the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).

These collaborations with the private sector and fellow ministerial departments will play a pivotal role in transforming India into ‘Kushal Bharat Viksit Bharat’, enabling the youth to meet domestic and international market demands and lead and innovate on a global scale.

The signing of MoUs involved various government associations, industry players, and academic institutions. These included:

North-Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC)
Air India SATS Airport Services Pvt Ltd
Gems & Jewellery Promotion Export Council
Divya Yog Mandir Trust
North-East Regional Agricultural Marketing Co-operation (NERAMAC)
iHub for IIT Mandi
North-East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR)
Takt Group
Meril Life Science Private Limited
IIT ISM Dhanbad
Sri Sri University
Coding Pro Technologies
Shobhit University, Meerut
Sanskriti University, Mathura
Silver Oak University, Ahmedabad
Galgotias University, Greater Noida
Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE)
The Department of Food & Public Distribution
Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts

These collaborations aim to promote sustainable entrepreneurial skills development and enhance self-employment opportunities. Moreover, the Directorate General of Training (DGT) renewed its partnership with the Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), facilitated by Quest Alliance in collaboration with other partners Accenture, Cisco, JP Morgan, and SAP.

Launch of Centers of Excellence

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated two Centres of Excellence (CoE) virtually at Skill Development Institute (SDI) in Bhubaneswar focusing on:

Media and HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) at the SDI in Bhubaneswar to elevate the capabilities of India’s youth population in the fields of Media & Entertainment and Electronics.
Leveraging new-age technologies like Apple Studio Workstation, digital cameras, and the latest HP workstations, the centers will deliver cutting-edge training programs in courses like Graphic Design, Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Manager, Video Editing, and Digital Marketing Manager.
The courses are crafted based on extensive research and market mapping of the Media and Entertainment industry to make the sector aspirational in Odisha.

Also read: MoE launches SWAYAM Plus platform to provide employability and professional development-focused programs

The delegates released the Green Hydrogen Skill Gap Assessment Report, a roadmap for India’s green hydrogen industry. It proposes tailored training programs and practical recommendations. MSDE is adapting to the evolving job landscape by introducing new-age trades, setting up specialized ITIs, and supporting entrepreneurship through initiatives like the PM Mudra Yojana. The launch of the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) enhances accessibility to skill development programs through technology.