In a significant stride toward transforming India’s vocational AI training ecosystem, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has announced a series of groundbreaking initiatives.
These initiatives aim to empower the workforce, prepare them for the digital economy, and foster innovation through emerging technologies.
The driving force behind this transformation?
A strategic partnership with Microsoft and the launch of the Pioneering AI Training Program.
Microsoft SkillSaksham Program: A Game-Changer in AI Training
The centerpiece of this announcement is the expansion of Microsoft’s SkillSaksham Program for Digital Productivity and AI Skilling. Here are the key highlights:
Scope and Reach: The SkillSaksham Program will now extend across 200 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in India, targeting over 10,000 candidates.
Additionally, the program introduces the ‘AI Programming Assistant’ course in approximately 15 National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs) during the academic session 2024-25.
AI-Focused Training: Students in these NSTIs will have access to 1,200 hours of AI-focused training. An additional 400 hours will be dedicated to advanced AI skills and virtual On-the-Job Training (OJT), facilitated by Microsoft.
Nationwide Deployment: Microsoft’s commitment ensures that this training reaches every corner of the country. Young minds from diverse regions will now have the opportunity to lead in the AI-driven future.
Strategic Partnerships for MSMEs and Entrepreneurs
Beyond AI, the MSDE is forging crucial partnerships to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and foster entrepreneurial skill development:
NIESBUD-MSSIDC Partnership: Focused on capacity-building training for women-owned MSME units in Maharashtra. This is under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Programme.
Aiming to enhance competitiveness and empower women entrepreneurs.
NIESBUD-Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Collaboration: Establishing an institutional mechanism to leverage GeM’s digital platform. Increasing market access and visibility for NIESBUD trainees.
MoU with Jamia Hamdard University: A strategic alliance to promote entrepreneurial education and skills. Bridging the gap between academia and industry.
Collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC): NIESBUD and ONDC will explore mutual collaboration opportunities. This is to further entrepreneurial skill development and support self-employment initiatives.
“These partnerships are pathways to building a more ‘Kushal, Viksit, and Atmanirbhar Bharat’ of our dreams. What has been a silent revolution till now is about to gain scale and speed,” the Union Minister Shri Jayant Chaudhary said.
Minister’s Vision on Introduction of AI
Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), MSDE and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, expressed his optimism:
“We are on the cusp of a generational change. Our partnership with Microsoft is more than just a collaboration—it’s a bold statement that India’s vocational education system is not merely catching up with the times but is setting the pace.”
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He added, “Emerging technologies and the introduction of AIs will help reimagine ITIs. By preparing our students to harness the transformative power of AI, we play a crucial part as India’s expected GDP growth touches $500 billion by 2025.”
Shri Jayant further stated, “We need to create a pool of trainers and teachers who understand new technologies and AIs. Individuals from such trainings will play a vital role in preparing future talent to the new job environment.”
“Emerging technologies and the introduction of AIs will help reimagine ITIs. By preparing our students to harness the transformative power of AI, will play a crucial part as India’s expected GDP growth touches $500 billion by 2025,” he concluded.
Conclusion
As India embraces AI and emerging technologies, these initiatives promise to revolutionize vocational training. They will also help empower the workforce, and shape a future where young minds lead the way.
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