All posts by Sujata Achary

Mandi, 15 February 2025: The PwC India Foundation, in partnership with SEEDS, has completed the reconstruction of the Kuklah Government Primary School in Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. This initiative represents a significant stride in rehabilitating communities impacted by the devastating flash floods of 2023.

The inauguration ceremony was a momentous occasion attended by Jaivir Singh, Vice Chairman, PwC India Foundation, along with Apoorv Devgan, Deputy Commissioner, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Vijay Gupta, District Deputy Director Education, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, Dole Ram, Block Education Officer, Bali Chauki, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, as well as local officials, educators, and community members. This project signifies not only a fresh start for the children but also embodies hope and resilience for the entire community. local officials, educators, and community members. This project signifies not only a fresh start for the children but also embodies hope and resilience for the entire community

“Our mission is deeply rooted in service of the nation,” says Jaivir Singh. “Reconstructing Kuklah Government Primary School is not just about rebuilding a structure, but about securing the future of young minds. Education is the cornerstone of resilience, and through this initiative, we aim to empower the next generation.”

In line with the PwC India Foundation’s vision to build sustainable and resilient communities, we continue to prioritize collaboration and embedded engagement to foster long-term support, making a meaningful difference where it matters most.

South Indian Bank has introduced a new product variant, ‘SIB Quick FD’ that allows customers to open Fixed Deposits (FDs) seamlessly using funds from their other bank accounts. This initiative enhances accessibility and convenience, enabling customers to invest in FDs digitally using UPI.

South Indian Bank continues to drive innovation and enhance customer experience by offering simplified and efficient digital banking solutions. With SIB Quick FD, FD booking has become more accessible and streamlined. Customers with valid KYC can now open fixed deposits effortlessly using UPI, making secure investments more convenient than ever.

Key Highlights:

• No Prior Relationship Required: Customers can open a fixed deposit without an existing savings account with South Indian Bank.
• Instant & Paperless Process: The entire FD booking process is entirely digital, ensuring a quick and hassle-free investment in just 5 minutes.
• Fund FD using UPI: Customers can fund their FDs using UPI, enhancing convenience.
• Minimal Documentation: Only PAN and UID details are required, streamlining the onboarding process.
• 24*7 Availability: FDs can be opened anytime, ensuring flexibility.
• Affordable Investment Entry: Fixed deposits start at just ₹1,000, making them accessible to a wider audience.
• Attractive Returns: Competitive interest rates with the flexibility of premature withdrawals.
• Secure & Insured: Deposits are covered under DICGC insurance up to ₹5 lakhs, ensuring peace of mind.

Commenting on receiving The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division), N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons said, “I am deeply humbled by this prestigious recognition, for which I am grateful to His Majesty, King Charles.

I would like to express how proud we are at the Tata Group to maintain such a strong strategic relationship with the UK across the technology, consumer, hospitality, steel, chemicals, and automotive sectors. We are incredibly proud of our iconic British brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley. We employ more than 70,000 people in the UK. We enjoy fruitful and world-class research and academic partnerships with great institutions in this country which include the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, the University of Warwick, and the University of Swansea.

I would also like to express, on behalf of the Tata Group, my deep thanks to HM Government for their support for the Group. It is a strong and enduring relationship, and I look forward to strengthening our presence in the UK further. Thank you once again for paying me this great honor.”

Mumbai, February 15, 2025 – Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced the latest release of Honeywell Forge Production Intelligence, which seamlessly integrates performance monitoring with a new generative AI assistant to help operators and production managers automate tasks and troubleshoot problems.

By leveraging advanced generative AI models, the platform’s new Intelligent Assistant is designed to enhance user experience by allowing engineers, plant managers, and business leaders to access key insights through simple, natural language prompts. The tool will also enable industrials to visualize trends and troubleshoot production issues from Key Performance Indicator (KPI) deviation contributors and asset relationships.

“As the industry continues to wrestle with the loss of expertise through higher rates of attrition and the challenges of onboarding new talent, it is good to see the incorporation of generative AI copilots, like Honeywell’s Intelligent Assistant, that help to make it easier and faster for users of varying experience to get critical insights about the status of their production operations,” said ARC Advisory Group’s Director of Research, Mark Sen Gupta. “Such scalable and replicable solutions are invaluable for companies grappling in a fast-changing business environment.”

The cloud-native platform merges performance monitoring with advanced analytics, enabling rapid root cause analysis of production issues. With the addition of the Intelligent Assistant, users can now summarize deviations and overall insights quicker and more effectively. The capability not only enhances AI insights with greater explainability and usability but also supports closed-loop collaboration workflows with case management integration.

“Honeywell Forge Production Intelligence represents a significant step forward in making data-driven insights accessible to engineers and industrial business leaders globally,” said Pramesh Maheshwari, President of Honeywell Process Solutions. “We understand the challenges faced by our customers and believe that by leveraging generative AI, we can help assets work harder, people work smarter, and systems more efficient.”

Honeywell Forge Production Intelligence is part of Honeywell’s recently announced suite of AI-enabled solutions for industrials which also includes Experion Operations Assistant and Field Process Knowledge System.

India, Gurugram, February 14, 2025: Samarth, India’s leading eldercare organization, is enhancing its senior-focused healthcare model with the addition of a highly qualified team of medical specialists. The Samarth Clinics for Healthy Ageing continue to refine their preventive, personalized, and accessible approach to senior care, ensuring better health outcomes for India’s growing elderly population.

Renowned Specialists Now Part of Samarth Clinics
With chronic illnesses on the rise, integrated and expert-driven healthcare is critical for seniors. The newly onboarded team at Samarth Clinics brings multi-disciplinary expertise, ensuring a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to minimize hospital visits and improve long-term well-being.

In addition to Dr. Kartik Mittal, Geriatrics (AIIMS), Dr. Saumya Agarwal, Internal Medicine (UK), and Dr. Anup Bagchi, Senior Physicians, the Clinics now have an eminent panel of superspecialists from leading institutions like AIIMS. These include:

• Dr. Hemant Madan – Cardiology
• Dr. Rajesh K. Verma – Orthopedics
• Dr. Sameer Arora – Neurology
• Dr. Shiba K. Biswal – Pulmonology
• Dr. Indu Bansal – Oncology
• Dr. Meenu Saluja – Dermatology
• Dr. Dharam Pandey – Physiotherapy

The Samarth Clinic Advisory Board, comprising nationally and internationally recognized leaders in geriatrics, internal medicine, and oncology, provides strategic guidance to uphold clinical excellence. With decades of experience in top institutions like AIIMS, Medanta, and global healthcare organizations, the board ensures that Samarth Clinics continues to set the gold standard for eldercare in India.

Asheesh Gupta, Founder & CEO of Samarth Elder Care, emphasized the importance of preventive care over hospitalization, stating, “The real solution for elder healthcare is not in hospitals but in keeping seniors healthy and out of hospitals. Over nine years and across 350+ cities, we have learned that seniors seek trust, accessibility, and compassionate doctors who truly listen. Samarth Clinics are built on this foundation, integrating our experience with the latest research to redefine senior healthcare.”

Samarth Clinics offers a comprehensive range of services, including diabetes and hypertension management, pulmonary care, physiotherapy, adult vaccinations, home visits, and specialized memory care programs for older adults. The clinics also feature Comprehensive Assessments of Healthy Ageing (CAHA) and Biological Age Analysis, ensuring a preventive and holistic approach to senior healthcare.

Dr. A.B. Dey, Former Professor and Head of the Department of Geriatric Medicine at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, and Founder President of the Indian Academy of Geriatrics, is among the medical leaders who form the Clinical Board for Samarth Clinics. Emphasizing the need for accessible senior healthcare, he states, “Samarth Clinic is an innovative and much-needed concept for the senior population. With nearly 87-90% of older adults facing health issues every month, having a trustworthy clinic within the community will be a significant benefit. The 24/7 availability of care will not only enhance confidence among seniors but also improve their overall quality of life.”

Highlighting the importance of compassionate healthcare, Dr. Saumya Agarwal, MBBS, MD (United Kingdom), Internal Medicine said, “At Samarth Clinic for Healthy Ageing, we understand aging changes how the body responds to illness. Gentle care, timely treatment, and a compassionate approach make all the difference”.

With India’s senior population projected to exceed 200 million by 2050 and healthcare costs rising, Samarth’s model prioritizes preventive care, early diagnosis, and coordinated support, ensuring that seniors receive the right care at the right time.

New Delhi, February 14, 2025 –VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), a joint venture between Volvo Group and Eicher Motors, inaugurated a dedicated manufacturing facility and delivered the first batch of Eicher Pro X trucks to leading Indian logistics providers who gathered at Bhopal. This follows the successful launch of the Eicher Pro X small truck at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

The all-new facility, located within VECV’s Industry 4.0 complaint Bhopal factory, was inaugurated by Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO, Volvo Group, and Siddhartha Lal, Chairman, Eicher Motors Ltd and Board Member, VECV.

Vehicles rolling off the all-women final assembly line at this brand-new facility were delivered to leading players in the rapidly transforming Indian logistics industry.

Commenting on the occasion, Martin Lundstedt, President & CEO, of Volvo Group, said, “Each time I visit India, I am truly amazed by the rapid pace of development, including the transformation towards sustainable and modern logistics and public transport. It is an honor to inaugurate this state-of-the-art facility and deliver the first batch of Eicher Pro X trucks to customers who are redefining logistics in India.”

Joining him, Siddhartha Lal, Chairman, Eicher Motors Ltd and Board Member VECV, emphasized Eicher’s legacy of leadership, and added, “The electric first launch of the Eicher Pro X is a testament to Eicher Trucks and Buses legacy of consistently delivering relevant modernization to the Indian CV industry. I am very proud of Team VECV for executing a truly customer-centered approach while developing the Eicher Pro X product and services ecosystem. With our steady progress in Heavy Duty trucks and market leadership in Light and Medium Duty Trucks, VECV is well positioned to contribute to India’s rapidly modernizing logistics sector.”

Sofia Frändberg, Chairperson VECV and Senior Leader, Volvo Group, emphasized the internationally benchmarked capabilities at VECV, “The Eicher Pro X, developed and commercialized in record time, is a testament to the industry-leading capabilities at VECV. Innovation in the Eicher Pro X does not stop at the product. I am proud to note that it is also built on an all-women assembly line, showcasing innovative approaches that enhance inclusiveness on the manufacturing shop floor.”

Echoing the sentiment of all VECV employees, Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO of VECV, said, “The inauguration of Eicher’s small commercial vehicle line and deliveries to our first customers is the fulfillment of our long-standing vision. We are grateful to customers taking delivery today, who were also our partners in the journey to develop this all-new Eicher Pro X. We are confident that the combined expertise built into the Eicher Pro X will cater to the stringent requirements of modern last-mile logistics operations in a sustainable and driver-friendly manner.”

Eicher Trucks and Buses remains committed to empowering businesses across India with innovative mobility solutions, and the Eicher Pro X is yet another step toward fulfilling that promise. This first batch of Eicher Pro X vehicles delivered today will join operations across India

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025: Mia by Tanishq, one of India’s trendiest precious fine jewellery brands, announces its collaboration with Swiggy Instamart, marking its entry into the burgeoning quick commerce space. Starting this week, Mia’s exquisite silver jewellery collection will be available on Swiggy Instamart in more than 35 cities, including Gurgaon, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. The operations will be offering customers the convenience of doorstep delivery of silver jewellery in under 10 minutes.

This partnership leverages Swiggy Instamart’s position as a market leader in quick commerce, known for its exceptional communication and operational excellence, to enhance the e-commerce experience for consumers. The collaboration aligns with Mia Tanishq’s strategy to expand its omni-channel presence, reaching new customers through diverse sales channels. As part of this partnership, Mia will introduce a range of stunning silver jewellery catering to the growing demand for precious jewellery in the quick commerce market. Whether it’s a special occasion or a thoughtful gift, Mia’s silver jewellery promises to bring a touch of elegance and good fortune, delivered swiftly and seamlessly.

Sampurna Rakshit, Marketing & E-commerce Head – Mia by Tanishq, shared her thoughts on the collaboration: “This is an effort at our end to prioritise our consumer’s convenience and be present wherever the users are. Owing to Mia’s exquisite design language coupled with our affordable pricing, we have always been India’s favourite gift of choice. As quick commerce transforms the way India shops, consumers are also looking for stylish jewellery gifting options from trusted brands. So we are thrilled to partner with Swiggy Instamart, who can get many more consumers to access and experience our brand at their fingertips.”

This strategic collaboration highlights the growing trend in the Indian retail landscape, where quick commerce platforms are emerging as key touchpoints for consumers prioritizing convenience. It ensures that customers are well-informed about Mia’s beautiful collections and the ease with which they can access these offerings through Swiggy Instamart.

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025: TVS Motor Company (TVSM) – a leading global automaker that operates in the two and three-wheeler segment – has partnered with Gujarat Tourism to bring an unparalleled motorcycling experience to the ongoing Rann Utsav. As part of this collaboration, the company unveiled two exclusive ‘Rann Utsav’ edition custom motorcycles based on the TVS Ronin.

Recognized as a key driver of India’s tourism-led economic growth, the festival plays a pivotal role in shaping Viksit Gujarat for Viksit Bharat, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. By merging tradition with modernity, Rann Utsav has evolved into a platform that showcases India’s artistic heritage and contributes to sustainable development through cultural tourism.

Speaking about the partnership, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said: “At TVS Motor Company, we have always believed in blending lifestyle, adventure, and culture with our motorcycles. The Rann Utsav was the perfect backdrop to showcase the unique synergy between motorcycling and India’s rich artistic heritage. The ‘Rann Utsav’ edition of TVS Ronin motorcycles is a tribute to Gujarat’s vibrant traditions, seamlessly integrating the regional artistry into their design. This collaboration was a step towards celebrating the essence of riding with a cultural spirit and is our commitment towards the Prime Minister’s vision of prioritizing India’s tourism sector.”

Adding to this, Rajender Kumar, Secretary of the Tourism, Devasthanam Management, Civil Aviation & Pilgrimage Departments, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar, remarked, “Rann Utsav has grown into one of India’s most iconic cultural celebrations, drawing millions of visitors and showcasing Gujarat’s rich heritage and unique landscape of white Rann on the global stage. In line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat @2047, the festival plays a crucial role in driving cultural tourism and shaping Gujarat’s development. This collaboration with TVS Motor Company is a testament to how tradition and modern craftsmanship can come together to create something extraordinary, further strengthening Gujarat’s position as a premier tourism destination.”

Rann Utsav: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition

Rann Utsav, an annual cultural extravaganza organized by Gujarat Tourism, is one of India’s most sought-after tourism events. Held in the breathtaking Rann of Kutch, the festival showcases the vibrant traditions, folk music, dance, and craftsmanship of the region. What started as an initiative to boost tourism in 2005 for just three days, has now become a global attraction, drawing visitors from across the world to witness the magic of the White Desert under a moonlit sky.

Experiential Highlights at Rann Utsav

As part of this collaboration, TVS Motor Company also curated unique engagement activities to enhance the experience for hundreds of its TVS Ronin and TVS Apache customers, along with other motorcycling enthusiasts:

•  The TVS Adventure Zone – At the heart of Tent City, visitors explored thrilling adventure activities and marveled at a specially designed TVS Ronin Bike Installation, symbolizing the fusion of motorcycling and culture.
•  Sunset Expedition – Riders embarked on an exclusive journey to Sunset Point, capturing the breathtaking views of the White Rann while visiting other key local attractions.
•  Celestial Sojourn – A mesmerizing star-gazing experience under the vast expanse of the Rann sky, offering participants a moment of tranquility and connection with nature.
•  The Road to Heaven Ride – An unforgettable morning ride through the scenic ‘Road to Heaven,’ a picturesque stretch that cuts through the heart of the Rann of Kutch.
•  Cultural Immersion – Guests indulged in Gujarat’s rich heritage through traditional art showcases, folk music performances, and an authentic culinary experience, bringing the spirit of Rann Utsav to life.

Chandigarh, 14th February 2025: The Material Handling Equipment business of Godrej & Boyce, part of the Godrej Enterprises Group (GEG), showcased its latest innovations and advanced technologies at LogiMAT India 2025 scheduled from February 13 to 15 in Mumbai. As one of India’s most anticipated trade fairs for intralogistics and process management, LogiMAT India will provide the perfect platform to highlight the business’s leadership in the material handling sector, where it commands a market share of over 20 percent.

Driving the ‘Make in India’ initiative, the business continues to develop innovative, indigenous solutions that contribute significantly to the nation’s industrial growth. With a strong market presence across India, Godrej Enterprises Group plays a crucial role in modernizing warehousing and manufacturing operations. Its range of technologically advanced solutions and material handling equipment is designed to meet the evolving demands of growing industries in India.

Among the highlights of the Material Handling Equipment business at the expo will be India’s first indigenously manufactured lithium-ion battery-powered forklift, featuring a proprietary Battery Management System (BMS), showcasing its commitment to sustainable solutions. The company will also unveil a vehicle monitoring system offering real-time performance insights capable of generating preventive maintenance alerts which will be further enhanced to predictive maintenance capabilities, pushing the boundaries of smart intralogistics solutions. The expo will also feature the Very Narrow Aisle (VNA) articulated forklift, which is capable of operating at heights of up to 12.5 meters in aisles as narrow as 2 meters, resulting in an increase of 6X pallet locations in the same space, making it one of the most space-efficient solutions in the market. Reach truck: Godrej is the only Indian manufacturer who has designed this product to provide operator comfort, safety features, and maximum productivity with higher-capacity batteries. This is increasingly finding its application in factory-led warehouses. Godrej is also showcasing an indigenously developed 3-wheel counterbalance forklift which provides the benefit of a forklift in terms of performance and space optimization of warehouse equipment. This workhorse comes with industry-first wet disc brakes and increases operator comfort and safety atthe workplace.

Anil Lingayat, Executive Vice President and Business Head – Material Handling Equipment, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “Sustainability remains at the heart of our strategy, as we focus on energy-efficient solutions, eco-friendly designs, and reducing carbon footprints across our product range. As the market leader in India’s intralogistics, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that give our customers a competitive edge. We aim to help businesses optimize their internal material flow, enabling them to focus on their core operations. Our diverse portfolio includes forklift and warehouse equipment to serve harsh outdoor environments and inside demanding warehouses, which cater to retail, e-comm, 3PL, and an extensive service network within 100Km radius of any industrial and warehouse establishments across India. With advanced and sustainable solutions, we strive to empower businesses with cutting-edge solutions for a greener and more efficient future.”

The business is targeting growing sectors such as retail, e-commerce, q-commerce, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, 3PL, and cold chain logistics, which require advanced and agile material handling solutions to meet their rapidly evolving supply chain demands.

LogiMAT India 2025 promises to be a landmark event for showcasing Godrej Enterprises Group’s capabilities and underscoring its focus on sustainability, and innovation in intralogistics. The Material Handling Equipment business’s stall will be in Hall 4 at stall number B-20. Visitors can expect to witness a wide range of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions.

Chandigarh, February 14, 2025- The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) today announced a significant expansion in its skilling footprint across India with plans to set up 50 new Future Skills Centres and 10 NSDC International Academies to advance skill development and training programs.

During his address at the Annual Press Conference, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, of NSDC and MD, of NSDC International, shared his roadmap to skill and upskill the Indian youth for domestic and global job markets. He said, “The number of industry-aligned programs will increase beyond 300, covering 12 major emerging technologies. The goal is to train over 2 lakh candidates and establish over 2.70 lakh square feet of training infrastructure, further strengthening employability and workforce readiness.”

The industry-aligned programs aim to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills by aligning education with emerging technologies and industry needs. So far, 33 global corporations have partnered, and 21 Future Skills Centres have been established in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Over 200 industry-aligned programs have been assessed and certified by corporations, covering 9 major emerging technologies. More than 27,000 candidates have been trained, with over 1.20 lakh square feet of training space developed.

NSDC aims to make quality education accessible to students from tier 2 and 3 colleges by addressing challenges in emerging technologies through collaborations with Institutes of National Importance. So far, 11 premium institutions have partnered to launch 17 micro-credential programs, awarding more than 75,000 credits and training over 5,000 candidates.

Looking forward, NSDC plans to collaborate with 15 premium institutions, introduce over 30 micro-credential programs, and award around 1,80,000 credits, further enhancing access to quality education and skill development. Students will receive specialized training in emerging technologies across key industry verticals such as aerospace, automotive, mining, and infrastructure. The OEMs’ tools and curriculum will be integrated into structured guided pathways, supporting different proficiency levels and leading to job opportunities across various domains.

As part of the Job-as-Skills model, Mr.Tiwari said, “There are plans to onboard 1 million students, establish MoUs with leading OEMs, bring in training partners, select industry-specific tools, design career progression pathways, implement joint certification with NSDC and OEMs, and introduce new industry verticals in a phased manner.”

Talking about international mobility, Mr. Tiwari said that the institution is working towards setting up new international language labs and assessment centers, offering training in Russian, Italian, Korean, and French to equip candidates with multilingual capabilities, enhancing their global employability. Outlining a strategic roadmap for the future, focusing on expanding global employment opportunities and skill development initiatives, he said, “Israel has requested 5000 healthcare workers.”

Additionally, NSDC International is extending its advisory services across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Africa, ensuring that workforce development programs are effectively implemented in these regions. Germany and Japan have also shown a consistent demand for healthcare workers, reinforcing the need for continuous training and deployment to meet their workforce requirements.

Since its establishment in October 2021, NSDC International has made a significant impact on workforce development and global employment. It has successfully aggregated 88,924 overseas jobs across 22 countries, providing employment opportunities for skilled professionals in various sectors. Additionally, over 64000 candidates have been deployed across multiple countries, including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, Japan, and the United Kingdom, through the NSDC International ecosystem. The organization has facilitated training and job placements across 19 industries, focusing on key sectors such as construction, Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP), and facility management. A total of 13,631 trainees have undergone training in NSDC International Centres across India, further strengthening the country’s skilled workforce.

Talking about creating digital infrastructure, Mr. Tiwari highlighted that youth living in remote areas of the country are skilling and upskilling themselves through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). SIDH has made a significant impact, reaching 1.30 crore candidates, including 92 lakh short-term trained candidates, 86 lakh certified candidates, and 13 lakh apprentices. The platform supports more than 7,100 courses in 23 Indian languages, with over 10 lakh active users and around 42,000 skilling and training centers, reinforcing its role in convergence, integration, skilling ecosystem development, partnerships, recognition, and measurable outcomes.

The platform collaborates with 57 digital learning partners, offering 1,245 courses.

He also talked about NSDC JobX which is an advanced job platform that connects job seekers and employers by simplifying hiring and offering premium services like resume building, career coaching, and job alerts.

Talking about NSDC Trust that was established to provide a digital platform with digitally verifiable credentials, he said, “The platform ensures security, privacy, and global verifiability, offering services like Aadhaar, PAN, passport verification, driving license authentication, voter ID, GST, TAN, MCA verification, regulatory compliance checks, global database checks, education and employment verification, DIN, UAN, credit/record checks, and more than 100 additional services.”

While addressing the media about the National Apprenticeship Programme, Mr. Tiwari said that NSDC has significantly contributed to apprenticeship programs from the financial year 2018-19 to 2024-25. Over 3.5 million apprentices have been engaged in various sectors, and 0.56 million assessments have been successfully conducted to ensure skill competency. The network expansion efforts have resulted in the establishment of over 49,000 training centers engaging apprentices, with 170 Training Partner Aggregators (TPAs) being impaneled to facilitate skill training. In terms of financial commitment, a fund disbursement of Rs. 100,250 million has been allocated to support apprenticeship programs. The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) has provided grants amounting to Rs. 10.46 billion, while the industry has contributed Rs. 288.93 billion towards apprenticeship initiatives.

Technological advancements have played a pivotal role, with over 0.3 million e-KYC completions and the creation of 2.8 million Aadhaar-based beneficiary IDs, enhancing digital tracking and transparency in skill development programs.

NSDC has also made a substantial impact in terms of socio-economic diversity. A total of 1.58 million apprentices, constituting 45.5% of the total engagement, belong to socio-economic groups, ensuring inclusive growth. Furthermore, 0.71 million women apprentices, accounting for 20.5% of the total, have been engaged in various trades, promoting gender inclusivity.

Talking about skilling through CSR and Industry partnerships, Mr. Tiwari said that NSDC has secured a total financial commitment of INR 2676 million to support its initiatives. The program aims to benefit 192,111 target beneficiaries across various sectors. This initiative includes 147 projects in collaboration with 67 corporate partners, ensuring a widespread impact on skill development and employment generation.

As part of these efforts, a total of 192,111 individuals have undergone training. Out of these, 153,850 candidates have been assessed, and 136,441 have been certified. Moreover, 81,779 individuals have been successfully placed in jobs, demonstrating the effectiveness of these initiatives.

While addressing the gathering, he highlighted NSDC’s key initiatives so far. NSDC has successfully trained over 40.3 million candidates, with 9.4 million securing placements. With a network of over 40,000 skilling centers, the skilling programs have empowered 18.3 million women and supported 12.9 million candidates from socio-economically disadvantaged groups, along with over 250,000 people with special abilities. The reach of these initiatives extends across 36 sector skill councils, covering more than 750 districts and engaging 200,000 employers. Additionally, capacity-building efforts include more than 30,000 million in financing facilities, 72,000 skill teachers, and over 43,000 skill assessors, ensuring a robust and sustainable skill development ecosystem.