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Hans India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Building skills essential: Governor
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday said skill development and education should go hand-in-hand to create a globally competitive workforce. To achieve this goal, the Governor said there is a need for stronger collaboration between educational institutions and skill development centres. He was speaking during the inauguration of the NSDC's (National Skill Development Corporation) international centre at the Skill Development Institute (SDI), Bhubaneswar. Referring to the National Education Policy 2020, the Governor said there is also a need to integrate skill training with higher education. 'In today's globalised world, building skills is essential for increasing productivity, driving economic growth and empowering society,' he said. Kambhampati said skill development should also include support for entrepreneurship. Institutions should not only impart technical skills but also guide students on how to start businesses, get funding and find opportunities, he added. The Governor also stressed the importance of vocational education from an early age, stating that 'children learn faster than adults and should be introduced to vocational training as part of their curriculum'. On Skill India Mission, he commended the initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 and appreciated Odisha's contribution under the leadership of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 'I am happy to witness Odisha emerging as a hub of skill and employment,' he said. The Governor lauded the SDI's state-of-the-art 47-acre campus built with a Rs 500-crore investment and hailed its role as a finishing school for engineering, polytechnic and ITI students. On the occasion, he inaugurated the NSDC International Academy, which aims to prepare youth for overseas employment, and flagged off the 'Skill on Wheel' project -- a mobile training unit designed to deliver outreach training programmes at the doorsteps of various educational institutions across Minister of State for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, said the institute will not only impart technical skills but also play a key role in shaping responsible and capable individuals.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Governor opens international academy of NSDC in city
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Friday inaugurated an international academy of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) at the Skill Development Institute (SDI) here. He also flagged off a 'Skill on Wheels' bus on the occasion to expand the outreach of skill development. The academy will provide the youth of Odisha and neighbouring states with skills for international career opportunities . It is dedicated to preparing youth for international career opportunities through foreign language training and pre-departure support, official sources said. Through the academy, NSDC and SDI Bhubaneswar aspire to equip youth with the competencies required to succeed in overseas job markets. It will teach youths domain skills, soft skills and international language skills, the sources said. The governor highlighted Odisha's progressive efforts in the field of skill development. "This world-class campus, developed at an investment of Rs 500 crore over 47 acres at the foothills of the historic Barunei hill, stands as a model for skill training excellence with multiple centres of excellence and strong industry collaboration," he added. The 'Skill on Wheels' bus is a mobile training unit equipped with modern infrastructure aimed at delivering doorstep training across educational institutes in the state. "This initiative is another innovative step to democratise access to skill training, bringing modern infrastructure and industry-aligned programs directly to the doorsteps of learners across the state," read the official statement from NSDC. Skill development minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the govt is committed to building the state as the skill hub of eastern India. Skill development and technical education secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Rasmi Govil, director (HR), Indian Oil Corporation, Ranjan Bhowmick, CEO of SDI Bhubaneswar, senior dignitaries from NSDC and other stakeholders, were among those who attended the programme.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
How Skill-Based Education is Empowering Women in India
In the rural Tripura, Minakshi, a young woman belonging to a modest background, reformed her life through skill-based education. Soon after completing a vocational training program in beauty and wellness, she not only secured employment but also became a trainer, inspiring other women. Similarly, Rina Debnath, trained under an initiative to skill Self-Help Groups (SHGs), turned her expertise in handicrafts into a profitable business, transporting bamboo products all over India. Their stories epitomize the power of skill-based education in empowering women as well as fostering social progress. The Changing Landscape of Women's Education in India As India transitions from rote-based to outcome-based learning, education systems are increasingly emphasizing skills aligned with industry requirements. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey of 2023, only 25.4% of Indian women are engaged in the labour force, highlighting the urgent need for market-ready, application-driven education. Schools, colleges, and universities must evolve by introducing interdisciplinary vocational subjects early in the curriculum to familiarize young women with emerging career paths. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has emphasized integrating vocational education into mainstream academics from Grade 6 onwards, aiming to create a generation of women who are not only academically sound but also industry ready. Filling the Gender Gap and Advancing Gender Equality in the Workforce The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023 has ranked India 127th out of 146 in women's economic participation. Industry-integrated learning and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) help bridge this gap. Women who are certified through RPL saw a 30% wage increase (NSDC, 2023), at the same time vocational training results in boosting formal employment chances by 35% (International Labour Organization). The United Nations approximates that closing the gender gap could add $700 billion to India's GDP by 2025. Collaboration between the educators, policymakers, and industry leaders is the key to building an inclusive and economically empowered India. Financial Independence Through Skill Training Skill-based education equips women with practical, employment-oriented knowledge, laying the foundation for financial independence. In sectors like IT and healthcare, women trained in coding, cybersecurity, medical lab technology, and emergency care are securing stable, often global, job opportunities. Notably, certified nursing assistants have reported an average salary increase of 40% post-training. Financial autonomy is a cornerstone of women's empowerment and skill development plays a crucial role in achieving it. Beyond jobs, it also opens doors to entrepreneurship, enabling women to build sustainable livelihoods on their own terms. Empowering Rural and Tribal Women Skill universities and rural extension centers enhance education access by offering regional language courses, flexible schedules, and mobile learning, especially for marginalized communities. Government and CSR efforts are bridging gender gaps—like a Jharkhand program that trained 500 tribal women in organic farming, boosting their income by 40%. Since 2020, over 1.2 million rural women have received vocational training, per the Ministry of Skill Development. Yet, societal barriers remain, with only 15% participation among rural women, according to NITI Aayog (2023). Addressing this requires greater awareness, community involvement, and inclusive, gender-responsive policies for sustained impact. Entrepreneurship and Startups that are Led by Women Integrating entrepreneurship modules into school and college curriculum can equip young women with the mindset, skills, and confidence to become job creators. Business incubators, pitch competitions, and access to experienced mentors serve as crucial enablers in this journey. Government initiatives like the Stand-Up India Scheme have supported over 1.5 lakh women entrepreneurs through access to business loans, fuelling a growing ecosystem of women-led enterprises. According to FICCI (2023), women-led startups in India are growing at an annual rate of 20%, with many leveraging vocational trainings as a springboard for their ventures. Digital Literacy and Technology Inclusion The digital revolution is unleashing new opportunities. Digital literacy programs are encouraging women's participation in the gig economy, remote work, e-commerce. Educational institutions must go beyond basic computer skills and integrate modules on AI, digital marketing, UI/UX design, and cloud computing to prepare women for tomorrow's workforce. According to the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), digital literacy amidst women in rural India has increased from 17% in 2017 to 42% in 2023, which exhibits a significant shift towards technology-based empowerment. The Role of Skilling in Higher Education Institutions Higher education institutions focused on skill development play a pivotal role in empowering women. Skills universities become of paramount importance here. Since up to 70% of their curriculums are skill-based, industry collaborations become much more seamless and help in integrating practical and experiential learning through educational pathways. These institutions serve as bridges between academic knowledge and employment opportunities. By collaborating with industries, integrating apprenticeships, and offering flexible credit-based pathways, they ensure that women are equipped to succeed. The Impact of Government and CSR Initiatives Government schemes such as the Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Program (AEDP), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), and Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) enrich skill-based education. CSR initiatives add value to these efforts by funding training programs, raising awareness, and providing infrastructure support. According to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, CSR spending on skill development programs has increased by 42% in the last five years. Vision for a Gender-Equal Workforce An education system that prioritizes skill development, inclusivity, and industry alignment will be central to achieving gender equality in the workforce. Empowering women through skill-based education is not just about employment, it's about agency, dignity, and transformation. As we look toward the future, our vision is clear: to create a workforce where women are equal participants and leaders. (The author is Founder & Chancellor, Medhavi Skills University)
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelensky imposes sanctions on Russian nationals, companies from Russia, China, Iran, Uzbekistan
President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed sanctions on May 9 on Russian nationals and companies from Russia, China, Iran, and Uzbekistan, according to a decision of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council (NSDC). The sanctions list includes 58 individuals and 74 companies, with 67 Russian enterprises related to military technology. The decree comes into force on May 9, the day of its publication. The sanctioned individuals list includes artists and business owners, particularly Vadim Tsyganov, a poet, artist, and producer of Russian singer Victoria Tsyganova, his wife. The couple actively supports Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions were also imposed on Yuriy Churkin, CEO of the Fort machine tool plant, and Petro Vashchenko, head of the company Unimatic. The plants supply advanced technologies used in the war against Ukraine. On May 1, Zelensky imposed other sanctions against several individuals and entities, including former presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych. The restrictions were also imposed on blogger Myroslav Oleshko, political analyst Kostiantyn Bondarenko, and Dmytro Vasylets, the former head of the banned political party 'Derzhava.' In addition to individuals, the sanctions affect several Russian enterprises, including the Novolipetsk Steel Plant, Novatek, Arctic LNG, Stoilensky Mining and Processing Plant, Volzhsky Abrasive Works, and Magnitogorsk Electrode Plant. Read also: 'The front is noisy' — for Ukraine's soldiers, Russia's Victory Day 'ceasefire' is yet another sham We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Zelenskyy signs decree imposing sanctions on Russians and companies from Iran, China and Uzbekistan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has enacted sanctions imposed by the National Security and Defence Council (NSDC) against 58 Russian nationals and 74 companies, most of which are linked to Russia's defence-industrial complex. Source: Interfax-Ukraine Details: The sanctions list also includes three companies each from Iran and Uzbekistan, as well as one company from Hong Kong, China. The restrictions were approved by the NSDC and then enacted by a presidential decree. Of the 74 legal entities under sanctions, 67 are Russian companies involved in military technologies. Background: President Zelenskyy had previously enacted an NSDC decision to impose sanctions against Novatek, Russia's largest producer of liquefied natural gas and one of its biggest natural gas producers. He also enacted NSDC sanctions targeting companies involved in missile production. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
