Weekly Newsbytes on skills and education

This week’s NSN Newsbytes brings you the latest highlights in India’s skilling, education, and employability ecosystem. From PM Modi’s ₹1 lakh crore Viksit Bharat Rozgaar Yojna to new ITI upgradation initiatives and the introduction of horticulture in schools, the focus is on building future-ready talent. The launch of state-of-the-art skill centres and an Expression of Interest (EOI) invitation from the Naveen Jindal Foundation for high-impact youth skilling programs further strengthen this momentum.

CSR contributions from Kia, Samsung, Toyota Kirloskar, and LTIMindtree are accelerating industry-aligned skilling, while academic collaborations with IITs, universities, and global institutions are boosting AI, robotics, healthcare, and sustainable innovation. Together, these updates reflect India’s growing commitment to inclusive growth, women empowerment, and bridging the education-to-employment gap.

Here we go with this week’s edition of our weekly newsbytes –

Naveen Jindal Foundation Invites EOI to Drive Skill Development
The Naveen Jindal Foundation is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from partners to design and deliver high-impact skill development programs for youth. The focus areas include IT/ITeS, AVGC, Healthcare, Logistics, Electronics, and Construction (service sector roles), with an emphasis on preparing candidates for domestic and international employment. The last date to submit the proposal is August 25th, 2025.
Interested organizations can review eligibility requirements and submit their EOI via email. Read more here

Skill development updates from the government

On India’s 79th Independence Day, PM Modi announced the ₹1 lakh crore Viksit Bharat Rozgaar Yojna to boost employment, skilling, and entrepreneurship.
MSDE, through partnerships with leading companies under CSR, has trained over 25 lakh youth in modern technologies, with NCVET regulating and strengthening India’s skilling ecosystem.
The Himachal Pradesh education department will introduce horticulture as a vocational subject in government schools, with a curriculum to be prepared in two weeks for broader student options.
Maharashtra Minister for Industries and Marathi language, Dr. Uday Samant, inaugurated the state’s first Skill Development Centre in Nashik, built by MIDC, to boost industrial growth and youth training opportunities.
MSDE and Odisha’s Skill Development Department organized a workshop in Bhubaneswar on the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, aligning vocational training with evolving workforce needs.
CII and EHL Switzerland’s Advanced Diploma courses received NCVET accreditation, becoming the first international programmes aligned with India’s skill ecosystem and National Credit Framework.
MSDE held an interactive session with Northeast states on the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation, urging proactive state participation and industry collaboration.
Karnataka High Court ruled that universities cannot deny LLB admission to students with ITI qualifications if otherwise eligible for degree courses.
BSNL signed MoUs with Ericsson, Qualcomm, Cisco, and Nokia to launch advanced 5G, AI/ML, and digital training at BRBRAITT Jabalpur.
AICTE and BSNL signed an MoU to enhance technical education and skill development nationwide, leveraging expertise in telecom, IT, networking, and management.
396 J&K schools to be upgraded under PM-SHRI with smart classrooms, labs, libraries, sports facilities, and vocational hubs showcasing NEP 2020.
The Indian Make-Up Artists Federation (IMAF) was launched at the 2nd International Aari Workers Conference 2025 in Bangalore, unveiling 30 State Councils.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Shri Samrat Choudhary launched a CSR portal to attract ₹5,000 crore investments, promoting transparency and funding education, healthcare, and rural development.

Skill development updates on CSR and Industry

FICCI and KPMG in India released the report ‘Next-Gen Skills for a Global Workforce’ at the 16th Global Skills Summit 2025, outlining India’s AI-driven workforce transformation roadmap.
Kia India signed an MoU with ASDC to build a sustainable skilling ecosystem, focusing on EV adoption, customer experience, and developing a robust automotive talent pipeline.
FICCI and FRSN launched ‘The State of India’s ITIs framework’ at the Global Skills Summit 2025 to assess and modernize ITIs, aligning skilling with industry needs.
GJSCI and MSSIDC organized a two-day women empowerment programme in Kolhapur, training participants in jewellery design, financial planning, digital tools, and entrepreneurship.
SDE, Honda India Foundation, and Visan Foundation concluded a two-month Food and Beverage Skill Development Training program in Changlang, training 30 youth for hospitality careers.
Samsung Semiconductor India Research inaugurated its first Skill Development Centre at KGF, Karnataka, with five advanced labs for AI/ML, Cybersecurity, Robotics, Automation, and Core Engineering.

To know more, check out the latest updates on CSR and ESG initiatives that are creating a meaningful impact in skill development and education here: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/csr-and-esg-in-skill-education/

Skilling and upskilling in academia and emerging technologies

Amity University, in collaboration with Young India Skills University, will provide skill development training for unemployed youth in Telangana, following state cabinet approval for its establishment.
CSIR – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu, concluded its second five-day Skill Development Programme under Aroma Mission Phase-III, empowering women in aromatic crop cultivation, product development, and rural entrepreneurship.
KJSIM and AIPMA’s AMTEC signed an MoU to collaborate on research, consulting, and training, launching with a 34-hour certificate course on “Plastics in Sustainability” in Mumbai.
IIT Madras Teaching Learning Centre is launching a free residential training program under MMTTP to build STEM and Biotechnology teaching capacity for college faculty.
Assam University hosted a National Seminar on integrating indigenous knowledge with technology for entrepreneurship and sustainable handloom development, uniting diverse stakeholders.
Devka Secondary School, Amreli, integrates handicrafts and agriculture through its “Cultivating Livelihood Values” program, offering students practical skills and modern facilities.
IIT Delhi and Wadhwani Foundation inaugurated a Centre of Excellence in Precision and Personalised Healthcare under WIN, fostering innovation and healthcare advancement.

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