Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, emphasized that emerging technologies and AI will help reimagine ITIs, speaking during a launch event for the AI Training Program at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) – Women, Noida, in collaboration with Microsoft.
The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in partnership with Microsoft, introduced a groundbreaking AI Training Program aimed at revolutionizing India’s vocational training landscape. The program, launched at NSTI – Women in Noida, will extend across 200 ITIs and 15 NSTIs, targeting over 10,000 candidates. It includes 1,200 hours of AI-focused training, supplemented by 400 hours of advanced AI skills and virtual On-the-Job Training (OJT).
Shri Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of this initiative in preparing India’s youth for the digital economy. He noted that the partnership with Microsoft is not merely catching up with global trends but is setting new standards in vocational education. By equipping students with AI skills, this initiative aims to play a crucial role in driving India’s GDP growth to $500 billion by 2025.
In addition to the AI program, MSDE announced four key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing skill development, digital commerce, and women’s entrepreneurship. The National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), under MSDE, signed MoUs with Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (MSSIDC), Government e-Marketplace (GeM), Jamia Hamdard University, and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). These partnerships aim to empower MSMEs and entrepreneurs, particularly women, by providing training, market access, and opportunities for self-employment.
Looking ahead, these initiatives are poised to position India as a global leader in digital innovation and economic growth, ensuring the workforce is not only ready for the future but also capable of leading it.
