Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has called for urgent reforms in Industrial Training Institutions (ITIs)
Mumbai, Maharashtra, August 24: Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary, inaugurated the renovated National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Sion, Mumbai, on Saturday. He was joined by Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra's Minister of Skills, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Innovation.
During the inauguration, Chaudhary expressed his satisfaction with the new building for the 60-year-old institution and highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Tata and the development of the Indian Institute of Skills on the same premises.
Emphasizing the significance of skill development, the Union Minister noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reinvigorated the sector with renewed energy. He stressed the importance of creating an environment where students, after completing their 12th grade, might opt for vocational courses or short-term ITI programs instead of traditional degrees.
Chaudhary also mentioned that students pursuing undergraduate courses at Mumbai University now have the option to combine 50% academic credits with 50% credits from internships or apprenticeships under the National Credit Framework.
Highlighting the state of skilling infrastructure, Chaudhary pointed out that Maharashtra is home to more than 1,000 ITIs, representing nearly 66% of the ITIs across the country. He called for urgent reforms in ITIs, underscoring the responsibility to provide world-class infrastructure and to train instructors to meet industry needs.
The Minister also emphasized the crucial role of industry in developing skilled manpower, particularly in Maharashtra, the financial capital of the country. He acknowledged that industry partners are actively engaging apprentices and investing in the sector through CSR initiatives. Chaudhary added that for Indian industry to remain competitive globally, it must focus on workforce development.
On this occasion, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for skilling were exchanged between NSTI and institutions like MDL, BARC, DVET, and various State Departments. These agreements will strengthen NSTI Mumbai's leadership in skill-based education and enhance its capacity to offer specialized training and skill development programs.
The Minister also inaugurated the renovated Workshop Sections, including the Motor Mechanic Vehicle Section and the Welder Section, and visited the TATA-IIS Labs where he interacted with trainees.