PMKVY marks 10 years – Over 6 crore Indians skilled

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July 15, 2025

India’s flagship skilling programme, the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), completes a decade, having helped train over 6 crore people through various initiatives since 2014. Of these, more than 1.6 crore were trained under PMKVY alone.

Evolving to Meet Industry Needs

Launched in 2015, PMKVY has grown from short-term training to a comprehensive approach including apprenticeships, entrepreneurship support, and global job readiness. The latest phase, PMKVY 4.0, has trained over 25 lakh youth as of July 2025, featuring AI-based analytics, credit portability, and integration with the Skill India Digital Hub.

Inclusive and Diverse Training

Nearly 45% of PMKVY trainees are women, with strong participation from SC, ST, and OBC groups. Special projects have targeted tribal youth, prison inmates, and artisans, with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) helping certify existing skills in states like Jammu & Kashmir and Nagaland.

Balancing Tradition and Technology

PMKVY supports training in manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and retail, while also preparing workers for emerging fields like AI, drones, and IoT. New Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and Chennai aim to raise training standards nationwide.

Also Read: Kumar Mangalam Birla announces ₹2,200 Cr expansion for BITS Pilani

Boosted by Other Government Schemes

Complementary schemes such as PM Vishwakarma Yojana (over 2.7 crore applications) support traditional artisans, while DDU-GKY has trained nearly 17 lakh rural youth since 2014. RSETIs have trained over 56 lakh people this year alone, encouraging entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Kumar Mangalam Birla announces ₹2,200 Cr expansion for BITS Pilani

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 14, 2025

On July 13, Aditya Birla Group Chairman and BITS Pilani Chancellor Kumar Mangalam Birla announced a ₹2,200-crore expansion plan to transform BITS Pilani into a future-ready, globally competitive institution. The plan focuses on modernising existing campuses, building a new AI-focused centre, and launching a large-scale digital learning platform.

Under the initiative, over ₹1,200 crore will be invested in upgrading the Pilani, Hyderabad, and Goa campuses with new research facilities, academic blocks, hostels, and faculty housing. This is expected to increase the combined student capacity from 18,700 to 26,000 over the next five years.

A separate ₹1,000 crore will be allocated to establish an AI+ Campus in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh. Designed as a cutting-edge hub for AI, data science, robotics, and cyber-physical systems, the campus will accommodate over 7,000 students and offer globally benchmarked UG, PG, and PhD programmes in collaboration with international universities.

Also Read: Prof Neeraj Dwivedi takes charge as new Director of IIM Kashipur

Additionally, BITS Pilani will launch a full-scale edtech platform, BITS Pilani Digital, aimed at reaching over 1 lakh learners in five years. The platform will offer 32 industry-aligned degree and certificate programmes with career support and optional campus immersion. Birla said these initiatives align with India’s National Education Policy, aiming to make quality education more inclusive, accessible, and globally competitive.

Prof Neeraj Dwivedi takes charge as new Director of IIM Kashipur

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 11, 2025

The Indian Institute of Management Kashipur has appointed Prof Neeraj Dwivedi as its new Director. A seasoned academic and strategist, Prof Dwivedi brings over 25 years of diverse experience across education, leadership, and industry.

An IIM Lucknow Fellow in Strategic Management, he also holds an MTech from IIT Kharagpur and a BTech from GB Pant University, Pantnagar. Before joining IIM Kashipur, he was a senior faculty member at IIM Lucknow, where he held several key roles including Dean, Chairperson of PG Programmes, and Board Member.

Prof Dwivedi played a critical role in IIM Lucknow’s AACSB accreditation journey and was the national convener of CAT 2017, overseeing one of the country’s most challenging exams.

His career spans institutions like IIM Kozhikode, IIM Indore, and AIT Thailand, along with a strong corporate background, having worked with organisations such as NTPC, ONGC, Indian Oil, Samsung, McKinsey & Co., and Tata Play.

Renowned for his expertise in strategy, M&A, and governance, Prof Dwivedi has won multiple national and international awards for research and teaching. His M&A elective was twice voted the best strategy course at IIM Lucknow.

Also Read: Utpal Borpujari joins Advisory Board of India’s first industry-led creative skills incubator

Sharing his vision for the institute, he said, “IIM Kashipur is poised for transformation. My goal is to build a forward-looking, tech-driven, multi-disciplinary institution with a strong global presence and a reputation for academic excellence.”

With this appointment, IIM Kashipur aims to accelerate its growth trajectory under a future-focused leadership.

Utpal Borpujari joins Advisory Board of India’s first industry-led creative skills incubator

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 10, 2025

National Award-winning filmmaker and former journalist Utpal Borpujari has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of the Indian Institute of Creative Skills (IICS), India’s pioneering industry-led creative incubator.

Chaired by Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookuty and run by the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, IICS aims to bridge the industry-academia gap through hands-on, skill-based courses.

Borpujari joins an eminent panel featuring Girish Kasaravalli, Rahul Rawail, Shonali Bose, Dia Mirza, Neeta Lulla, Sham Kaushal, Kausar Munir, and Ravi K Chandran. He also serves on the apex body of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC Society).

The institute, supported by NSDC Academy, will offer degree and certificate programs in sound design, animation, costume and makeup, digital content creation, media management, and more. Its first campus is set to open in Delhi, with nine additional campuses planned across India.

Also Read: Shrewsbury International School India to open doors in Bhopal on August 8

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Borpujari urged young people, especially from the Northeast, to seize this platform to build careers in the fast-growing creative sector. Admissions for select programs are already underway, promising industry mentorship and live projects.

Shrewsbury International School India to open doors in Bhopal on August 8

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 8, 2025

Shrewsbury International School India is set to commence its academic journey on August 8, 2025, welcoming its inaugural batch at a 150-acre green campus in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. This marks the first Indian venture of the renowned 473-year-old UK-based Shrewsbury School.

Also Read: Canva and NCERT partner to empower Indian teachers with free digital design and AI training

Blending Indian ethos with British academic excellence, the school will follow the English National Curriculum, offering IGCSE and A-Level pathways for students aged 11–18. The eco-conscious campus features solar-powered infrastructure, advanced classrooms, dedicated spaces for arts and sciences, sports complexes, boarding houses, and India’s first indoor rowing tank in a school setting.

Canva and NCERT partner to empower Indian teachers with free digital design and AI training

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 7, 2025

Canva has partnered with the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to provide free training and certification programs for educators across India. These courses will be hosted on the Ministry of Education’s DIKSHA platform and align with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Through this collaboration, teachers will gain free access to Canva’s education suite, which is specially designed for visual and collaborative teaching. The program includes training modules that help educators use Canva’s tools to design creative lesson plans, interactive infographics, and dynamic classroom presentations. Teachers will also explore how to use AI features to improve content creation and foster deeper student engagement.

NCERT will ensure the training material is aligned with national curriculum standards and made available in several Indian languages. To ensure broader reach, especially in regions with limited internet access, the content will also be broadcast via PM e-Vidya DTH channels.

Upon successful completion, teachers will receive a jointly issued certificate from NCERT and Canva, adding value to their professional development.

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Government clears new universities for Ayodhya and Ghaziabad

Highlighting Canva’s growing impact in education, the company revealed that over 100 million students and educators worldwide are currently using the platform. In 2024 alone, more than 1 billion designs were created, many enhanced by Canva’s AI-driven features like Dream Lab. Teacher use of AI tools has grown by 50% in the past year, while student engagement has more than doubled.

This partnership marks a significant step in equipping educators with creative confidence and practical digital tools to elevate learning experiences across the country.

Coursera strengthens APAC focus with new MD Ashutosh Gupta

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 7, 2025

Coursera has named Ashutosh Gupta as its new Managing Director for India and Asia Pacific (APAC), signaling a sharper focus on enterprise upskilling and AI-driven learning in the region.

Gupta will steer regional strategy and partnerships with governments, universities, and businesses to expand the adoption of Coursera’s AI-powered learning tools and micro-credentials. His appointment comes amid rising demand for digital skills, public-private education initiatives, and AI transformation across APAC.

With over 20 years in digital transformation and go-to-market strategy, Gupta previously advised SaaS firms as an Operating Partner at Avataar Ventures and led LinkedIn’s marketing solutions for APAC mid-market and SMB segments. He has also held senior roles at Google, Cognizant, and Infosys.

Also Read: Dr. Jawahar Surisetti appointed as Vice Chancellor of RISU

Coursera said Gupta’s expertise in public-private partnerships and scaling regional businesses will be critical as it helps institutions adapt to an AI-first world. The platform currently serves over 59 million learners in APAC and is expanding its academic and industry partnerships to meet the region’s evolving skilling needs.

Uttar Pradesh Government clears new universities for Ayodhya and Ghaziabad

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 7, 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has given the go-ahead for establishing two new private universities, aiming to strengthen the state’s higher education system. Approvals were granted for Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University in Ayodhya and Ajay Kumar Garg University in Ghaziabad, reflecting the government’s efforts to expand educational opportunities across the state.

According to an official release on Friday, these decisions are part of the government’s broader strategy to transform Uttar Pradesh into a hub for modern, inclusive, and accessible higher education. Ayodhya will see the development of a university focused on Ramayan studies and heritage, while Ghaziabad, known for its industrial base, will host an engineering-oriented institution.

Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration has emphasized improving education through better infrastructure and greater private-sector involvement. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay explained that the government is encouraging private investment and innovation to meet the growing demand for education.

He also noted that both university proposals were reviewed and approved through a streamlined, time-bound process designed to improve local access to quality higher education.

Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Ramayan University has now been formally approved under the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2025. With official notification complete, it can begin formal operations under state guidelines.

Meanwhile, Ajay Kumar Garg University, backed by the Indian Institute of Management and Engineering Society in Ghaziabad, has received a letter of intent under Section 6 of the Uttar Pradesh Private Universities Act, 2019, marking an important step toward its establishment.

Also Read: Shri Rajit Punhani appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

To gain approval in Uttar Pradesh, private universities must meet defined standards, including maintaining an endowment fund of at least ₹5 crores, securing a minimum of 20 acres of urban land, and developing at least 24,000 square meters of academic facilities.

The announcement was made in the presence of senior officials, including Minister of State for Higher Education Rajni Tiwari, Principal Secretary M.P. Agrawal, Special Secretary Nidhi Srivastava, and other department representatives.

Shri Rajit Punhani appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 3, 2025

The Government of India has appointed Shri Rajit Punhani, IAS (1991 batch, Bihar cadre), as the new Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). A seasoned bureaucrat with over three decades of experience in public administration, Shri Punhani brings a rich legacy of leadership across governance, public policy, and institutional management.

In his new role, Shri Punhani is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing the Skill India Mission, aligning it with the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. His strategic focus will be on equipping India’s youth with industry-relevant skills, enhancing employability, and fostering entrepreneurship at scale.

Shri Punhani has led several flagship government initiatives at both central and state levels throughout his career. Notably, he was instrumental in launching a landmark pension and insurance scheme benefiting over 450 million workers in the unorganised sector. He also spearheaded the world’s largest maternal messaging service to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

His policy acumen was further reflected through his contributions to indirect tax reforms, including the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) framework.

Shri Punhani has held leadership positions across major public sector undertakings (PSUs) — including NTPC, Power Grid Corporation, and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) — serving in capacities such as CEO, CMD, CVO, and as a Board Director. His experience also spans critical financial and cooperative institutions, including a State Cooperative Bank and a State Beverage Corporation.

At the grassroots level, he has served as District Magistrate and Deputy Development Commissioner in aspirational districts of Bihar, bringing firsthand insights into rural development and governance challenges.

Also Read: Dr. Jawahar Surisetti appointed as Vice Chancellor of RISU

In addition to his administrative roles, Shri Punhani has represented India on global platforms as a diplomat to the European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), further underscoring his international exposure and policy depth.

His appointment comes at a crucial time as India doubles down on its skilling and entrepreneurship agenda to prepare for a rapidly evolving global economy.

Dr. Jawahar Surisetti appointed as Vice Chancellor of RISU

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 1, 2025

Dr. Jawahar Surisetti has announced his appointment as the Vice Chancellor of RISU, marking a significant milestone in Chhattisgarh’s educational landscape as the state’s first dedicated skills university comes into focus.

Sharing the news on LinkedIn, Dr. Jawahar Surisetti expressed his enthusiasm about taking on the new role, stating:

“I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Vice Chancellor at RISU – Chhattisgarh’s first Skills University!”

Known globally for his thought leadership in education, mental health, digital wellbeing, and innovation, Dr. Surisetti brings with him the experience of delivering over 1,600 seminars worldwide, mentoring startups, and advising governments on education and smart city planning. A bestselling author of parenting books like Mama and Me and Go to Hell or Come to Me, he is also a TED speaker and a columnist for Speaking Tree.

With accolades including the Bharat Shiksha Ratna Samman and the title of “Man of the Year – India” conferred by a US State for his contributions to social education, Dr. Surisetti’s appointment is expected to accelerate RISU’s vision of empowering youth through practical, future-ready skill development.

Also Read: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel transfers ₹724 crore to over 13 lakh students under four key education schemes

This marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to position itself as a hub for vocational excellence and innovation-driven education.