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

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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.

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

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 1, 2025

Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday, June 24, transferred ₹724 crore directly to the bank accounts of over 13 lakh school students across the state in a single click through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.

The massive disbursement covered four flagship education schemes: Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana. The event was held via video conference in Gandhinagar, with Education Minister Dr Kuber Dindor and Minister of State for Education Shri Praful Pansheriya in attendance.

Namo Lakshmi Yojana: Boosting Girls’ Education

Launched under the leadership of CM Bhupendra Patel, the Namo Lakshmi Yojana aims to curb dropout rates among girls in Classes 9 to 12 by providing financial and nutritional support. The scheme offers ₹10,000 annually to girls in Classes 9 and 10 and ₹15,000 to those in Classes 11 and 12.

On Tuesday, ₹600 crore was disbursed to 10.83 lakh female students under this initiative. Since its inception, the scheme has led to a significant rise in girls attending higher secondary school, with a 16% increase in overall admissions and an 11% jump in science stream enrollments.

Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana: Encouraging Science Education

To strengthen Gujarat’s pipeline of science and technology talent, the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana provides ₹25,000 over two years to students in the science stream of Classes 11 and 12. On Thursday, ₹52 crore was transferred to around 1.53 lakh eligible students through DBT.

This initiative aligns with Gujarat’s vision to emerge as a hub for semiconductors, green energy, and digital technology, fostering a highly skilled technical workforce.

Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana: Rewarding Bright Students

The Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana supports 25,000 meritorious students who studied in government or grant-in-aid primary schools under RTE from Classes 1 to 8. On June 24, scholarships worth over ₹41 crore were distributed to 50,000 students under this scheme, aiming to bridge the education gap and reward academic excellence.

Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana: Supporting Early Education

The Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana targets students who have completed Classes 1 to 5, helping them secure merit-based admission to Class 6. On Thursday, ₹31 crore in scholarships was transferred to 60,000 students through DBT.

Also Read: Maharashtra withdraws plan to make Hindi mandatory in primary schools

Total Assistance Crosses ₹1,318 Crore

With this round of transfers, the cumulative financial aid provided to over 13 lakh students under these four schemes has now surpassed ₹1,318.98 crore. The occasion was also marked by the presence of Shri Mukesh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Education; Smt Avantika Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister; Dr Vikrant Pandey, Secretary; and other senior Education Department officials.

The Gujarat government’s technology-driven, transparent approach ensures timely delivery of benefits, empowering students at various academic stages and strengthening the state’s commitment to inclusive, quality education.

Maharashtra withdraws plan to make Hindi mandatory in primary schools

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Kaanchi Chawla

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July 1, 2025

The Maharashtra government has formally rolled back its decision to mandate Hindi as the third language in Classes 1 to 5 in English and Marathi medium schools. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced the reversal during a press conference held on the eve of the state legislature’s monsoon session.

Fadnavis revealed that a new committee, headed by educationist and former Rajya Sabha MP Narendra Jadhav, will now be established to review and recommend how to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) three-language formula in the state. “The government will wait for this committee’s report before finalising from which grade the three-language system will apply,” he said.

The now-revoked policy had been introduced on April 16 as part of the State Curriculum Framework for School Education 2024. The original government resolution (GR) stated that Hindi would “generally” serve as the third language option in all English and Marathi medium schools, alongside the compulsory teaching of Marathi. This sparked strong political opposition, with critics arguing it effectively forced Hindi on students in a state with a strong Marathi linguistic identity.

Following the backlash, the government clarified on June 17, stating that Hindi would not be compulsory and that students could choose any Indian language as the third language, provided there were at least 20 students per grade opting for it. The government also pledged to arrange teachers or online classes accordingly.

During the press conference, Fadnavis accused former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray of hypocrisy, noting that Thackeray’s cabinet had previously accepted the Mashelkar Committee’s recommendation to introduce Marathi, Hindi, and English from Class 1. “They are protesting only against Hindi, while happily accepting English,” Fadnavis said.

Also Read: PhysicsWallah and CSC Academy join hands for rural skill and degree programs

The controversy had even brought political rivals Uddhav and Raj Thackeray together, as they announced a rare joint protest planned for July 5. With the government’s latest withdrawal of the policy, that protest has now been called off.

Reacting to the announcement, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray posted on X (formerly Twitter), “The government has finally canceled the two GRs attempting to impose Hindi under the guise of a three-language policy. This isn’t some newfound wisdom—this rollback happened only because of the pressure from Marathi people. The question of why the government was so insistent on Hindi, and who was behind this pressure, still remains unanswered.”

PhysicsWallah and CSC Academy join hands for rural skill and degree programs

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 30, 2025

PhysicsWallah (PW), the education technology company, has announced a partnership with CSC Academy (CSCA), the not-for-profit arm under India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s Common Services Centres (CSC) scheme. Their joint effort aims to launch a Digital University that will provide accredited online degrees and certificates, transforming CSCs into Digital Learning Centres to improve higher education access in rural and remote regions.

Through this collaboration, PW’s expertise in creating academic and vocational content will be combined with CSCA’s extensive rural network. Together, they plan to offer learning in online, offline, and hybrid modes, using CSC centres as local education hubs to ensure wider accessibility.

Another major focus is skills training. The partnership intends to design certificate programs in high-demand areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Behavioural Science. To strengthen local education delivery, PW will also train CSC Academy staff and Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), equipping them to guide and support students in their communities.

PW’s Co-Founder, Prateek Maheshwari, underlined the aim to make learning universally accessible, stating that the initiative seeks to build an education system that truly includes all learners, regardless of location or background.

Also Read: India Charts New Skilling Path with Landmark Workforce Report

Meanwhile, CSCA CEO Pravin Chandekar highlighted the mission to reduce the digital and educational divide in India’s villages, describing the partnership as a way to deliver not just affordable education but genuine opportunity and hope to learners in remote areas.

By uniting PW’s content development capabilities with CSC Academy’s rural outreach, the initiative strives to create an education model where no student is excluded because of geography.

India Charts New Skilling Path with Landmark Workforce Report

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digitalLEARNING Network

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June 28, 2025

In a significant step towards strengthening India’s human capital, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, today unveiled a comprehensive report titled “Skills for the Future: Transforming India’s Workforce Landscape” in New Delhi. The report has been developed by the Institute for Competitiveness (IFC) as part of an independent research effort based on publicly available datasets.

This initiative forms a part of the ongoing “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” celebrations, highlighting the nation’s strategic shift towards aligning education, vocational training, and skilling with market demands and industrial transitions.

Speaking at the launch, Shri Jayant Chaudhary emphasised the urgent need for a paradigm shift in the way skilling is conceptualised. “Skilling is to be understood not merely as a supply-side intervention, but as a demand-driven, market-aligned, and outcome-oriented ecosystem that addresses the evolving needs of industry and the workforce,” he stated. He also stressed the importance of integrating formal, informal, and experiential learning pathways, while calling for a robust employability index to measure the impact of skilling efforts.

The IFC report leverages unit-level data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 to examine key patterns in educational attainment, occupational distribution, and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) within the Indian workforce. According to the findings, 88% of the workforce is currently engaged in low-competency occupations, with only 10–12% employed in high-competency roles, highlighting a critical need for skill upgradation.

Five key sectors—Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (IT and ITeS), Textile and Apparel, Electronics, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Beauty and Wellness—have been identified as skilling hotspots, accounting for more than 66% of vocational training in India. The report further highlights five high-potential regional clusters across these sectors, identified through Competitiveness Framework Analysis. The analysis draws from diverse sources, including the PMKVY 4.0 dashboard, Sector Skill Councils (SSCs), and the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS).

Also Read :- BIMTECH launches BIMCOIN

Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari, lauded the report and called for more evidence-based literature and research to support policy interventions in skilling. He emphasised the need to study structural changes across the skilling-education-work continuum to enable a resilient and inclusive workforce.

Mr. Amit Kapoor, Chair of the Institute for Competitiveness, expressed gratitude to the Ministry and reaffirmed IFC’s commitment to supporting India’s evolving skilling agenda.

The report recommends targeted, sector-specific interventions to build a future-ready workforce. It urges the creation of a standardised data collection mechanism to assess skill demands and track policy impact. Furthermore, it calls for industry participation through incentivised recruitment of skill-certified talent and provision of market-aligned training and fair wages.

As India looks ahead to becoming a global economic powerhouse, this report provides a timely blueprint for transforming its vast and diverse workforce into a skilled and competitive asset for the future.

BIMTECH launches BIMCOIN

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has launched BIMCOIN, a blockchain-powered digital currency. This makes BIMTECH the first management institute in India to introduce its own digital currency, following in the footsteps of IIT Madras.

BIMCOIN is engineered to enable secure, transparent, and real-time transactions within the BIMTECH ecosystem, benefiting students, faculty, vendors, and administrative systems alike. However, its value lies not only in utility but also as a hands-on learning tool that offers students real-world exposure to blockchain operations and digital finance. The initiative aligns with national missions like Digital India and Viksit Bharat 2047, promoting tech-driven educational reform.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director of BIMTECH, emphasized the dual impact of the initiative: “BIMCOIN is not just a mode of payment—it’s an immersive educational resource. It allows our students to gain first-hand experience in blockchain and digital currency technologies, preparing them for the rapidly evolving fintech sector.”

The pilot rollout of BIMCOIN witnessed encouraging engagement, with over 1,100 transactions processed seamlessly. This phase helped fine-tune the system through feedback-based testing, addressing integration issues and ensuring smooth onboarding. Building on this success, the institute is now preparing for wider campus deployment following further rounds of closed-group testing.

Also Read: IIM Kozhikode & Emeritus launch advanced leadership programme focused on AI

Looking ahead, BIMTECH plans to embed blockchain and fintech-focused modules into its academic offerings. The institute has also established a Blockchain Learning Centre, positioning itself as a future-ready campus committed to nurturing fintech-savvy graduates. BIMCOIN, inspired by the Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) model, is intended as a practical platform that bridges academic learning with industry applications.

Through this forward-thinking initiative, BIMTECH aims to shape the next generation of leaders equipped with digital and financial fluency, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for innovation in education.

IIM Kozhikode & Emeritus launch advanced leadership programme focused on AI

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

IIM Kozhikode, in collaboration with Emeritus, has launched a comprehensive Senior Management Programme aimed at empowering seasoned professionals with cutting-edge leadership, digital transformation, and strategic management skills. This 12-month blended programme is tailored for senior and mid-level professionals looking to step into higher leadership roles with a forward-thinking, tech-savvy mindset.

Slated to commence on June 28, 2025, the programme blends flexible online modules with live interactive sessions conducted by distinguished IIM Kozhikode faculty and seasoned industry leaders. Its hybrid design ensures participants can continue to meet professional and personal responsibilities while actively engaging in peer learning and receiving personalised feedback from instructors.

Ideal for graduates or diploma holders (10+2+3) with at least 10 years of work experience, the course is crafted to enhance strategic thinking, people management, and real-world problem-solving capabilities. Mid-level professionals aspiring to transition into senior leadership roles will also benefit from the programme’s hands-on, business-impact-driven curriculum.

Also Read: West Bengal introduces QR-enabled textbooks

Priced at ₹6,23,000 plus GST, the programme offers participants a unique opportunity to strengthen their leadership capabilities while staying current with global business trends and emerging technologies. Upon successful completion, learners will be awarded a certificate from IIM Kozhikode and gain Executive Alumni Status, granting them access to a powerful professional network.

Commenting on the initiative, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode, said, “Leadership today demands more than functional expertise. This programme offers a platform to navigate digital disruption, develop cross-industry insights, and implement strategic frameworks aligned with contemporary business challenges. It redefines what it means to lead in a tech-driven world.”

West Bengal introduces QR-enabled textbooks

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) has announced the integration of QR codes into all higher secondary textbooks. This initiative is aimed at ensuring that learners receive only authorized and verified academic content.

Every year, soon after the secondary board examinations, pirated versions of textbooks flood the markets, particularly in areas like College Street. These unofficial copies are often slightly altered and sold at inflated prices, misleading students and compromising academic standards. According to Council President Chiranjib Bhattacharya, the QR code initiative is a strategic solution to eliminate such practices and maintain content integrity.

Each official textbook will carry a unique QR code printed on its back cover. When scanned, this code will confirm the book’s authenticity by displaying the WBCHSE logo along with detailed book information. If a QR code is missing or provides incorrect data upon scanning, it indicates that the book is not approved by the council and may be pirated.

But that’s not all—this feature also unlocks access to enriched digital learning resources, including:

Video Tutorials: In-depth explanations and problem-solving guidance.
Animated Content: Visually engaging tools to help simplify complex subjects.
Model Papers: Sample questions and answers to aid in exam preparation.

This blend of physical and digital learning is designed to make education more interactive, accessible, and aligned with 21st-century learning practices.

Council Secretary Priyadarshini Mallick has urged students and parents to remain vigilant and only purchase textbooks with verified QR codes. Before buying any book, scanning the code should be a mandatory step. If the book fails the scan or lacks the code altogether, it should be avoided to prevent academic misinformation.

Also Read: Delhi to set 6+ as minimum age for Class 1 from 2026

This QR-backed system not only deters the illegal circulation of study materials but also marks a major stride toward digitizing education in the state. As West Bengal embraces this secure and student-centric approach, it sets a benchmark in preserving academic authenticity while enhancing the overall learning experience.

Delhi to set 6+ as minimum age for Class 1 from 2026

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Kaanchi Chawla

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June 25, 2025

The Delhi Directorate of Education (DoE) has announced that from the academic year 2026–27, only children who have completed six years of age will be eligible for admission to Class 1 in Delhi schools.

This decision aims to restructure the foundational stage of schooling—which includes Nursery and Kindergarten (KG)—in accordance with both the NEP and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009. The department shared this update via an official circular issued on Saturday.

As per the new guidelines, admission to Class 1 will strictly require the child to have attained six years of age by the start of the academic session.

Also Read: Gujarat transforms schools with Mission Excellence

To ensure the implementation process is inclusive and transparent, the DoE has opened the floor for public input. Teachers, parents, students, school associations, academic experts, and other stakeholders are encouraged to share their feedback and suggestions to help fine-tune the policy and make its rollout smooth and effective.

Namo Lakshmi Yojana: Boosting Girls’ Education

Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana: Encouraging Science Education

Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana: Rewarding Bright Students

Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana: Supporting Early Education

Total Assistance Crosses ₹1,318 Crore

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