PM Modi Inaugurates Indian Institute of Skills in Mumbai to Train Future-Ready Workforce in Industry 4.0

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October 10, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) in Mumbai, marking a major milestone in India’s efforts to enhance skill development in emerging technologies. The institute is set to train 5,000 students annually in Industry 4.0 skills, equipping them for both national and global job markets.

The inauguration was part of a larger initiative, with Prime Minister Modi laying the foundation for several development projects in Maharashtra worth over ₹7,600 crore via video conference. The IIS, established through a public-private partnership (PPP) between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Tata IIS, aims to provide cutting-edge training in advanced technologies.

Advanced Training in Industry 4.0

Built on a four-acre campus within the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) in Mumbai, the IIS is designed to develop an industry-ready workforce. It will offer specialised training in factory automation, digital manufacturing, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and additive manufacturing. These programs will cater to both the services and manufacturing sectors, helping students gain hands-on experience with the latest industry technologies.

Initially, six specialised courses will be offered, including Advanced Industrial Automation & Robotics, Additive Manufacturing, and Electric Vehicle Battery Specialist. The institute will also provide hostel facilities to enhance the student learning experience.

Focus on Global Opportunities

During the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the need to align India’s youth with global skill standards. He noted that confidence in India’s youth is fueling the country’s future, positioning India as a global hub for human resources.

Making India ‘Skill Capital of the World’

Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Jayant Chaudhary added that IIS will help fulfill the Prime Minister’s vision of making India the “Skill Capital of the World.” “The institute will equip our youth with the skills needed to excel not only in India but also in global markets,” Chaudhary said. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Maharashtra’s Minister for Skills, emphasized the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities and its potential to attract global interest.

Also Read: UGC to Launch PhD Excellence Citations to Recognise Outstanding Research in 5 Disciplines

Industry Collaboration and Practical Experience

The IIS will collaborate with over 15 global and Indian Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to provide students with practical, hands-on experience using real industry equipment. Key partnerships have been established for courses like Industrial Robotics with Fanuc India and Industrial Automation with SMC India. With these collaborations, IIS Mumbai is set to emerge as a premier institution for skill development, preparing India’s youth for new-age industries such as electric vehicles, AI, and robotics.

A Bold Step to Prepare India’s Youth

Shri Venu Srinivasan, Chairman of Tata IIS, highlighted that the Indian Institute of Skills is a bold step towards addressing India’s challenges and preparing its youth for employment and entrepreneurship. “India’s growing economy increasingly demands a skilled, resilient workforce – which can, in turn, advance productivity, economic growth, prosperity, and national development. By equipping our youth with useful skills, we can empower them to lead lives of independence and dignity and prepare them to keep pace with the evolving needs of industry today. The Indian Institute of Skills, Mumbai, with its world-class facilities, is a symbol of the Tata Group’s vision to take bold and agile steps to solve the nation’s challenges and help the youth transition to employment and enterprise,” he said.

UGC to Launch PhD Excellence Citations to Recognise Outstanding Research in 5 Disciplines

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October 10, 2024

The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to introduce the PhD Excellence Citations starting next year, aimed at recognising outstanding doctoral research across various disciplines. This initiative aligns with the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) goals, which emphasises the importance of knowledge creation and exploration for India’s future. The program aims to foster a culture of high-quality research and highlight exceptional work by young scholars.

According to sources familiar with the matter, ten citations will be awarded annually, with two citations each dedicated to five fields: sciences, engineering and technology, social sciences, Indian languages, and commerce and management.

Eligible candidates must come from UGC recognised universities accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), including state, central, private, and deemed universities. Candidates can be nominated after successfully defending their theses, provided their work complies with UGC’s PhD regulations. To apply, scholars need to submit the URL of their thesis, uploaded on the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) website, along with significant research publications or patents.

Also Read: India to Develop Comprehensive Database for Citizens Pursuing Overseas Jobs and Education.

To qualify, scholars must have completed their PhDs between January 1 and December 31 of the preceding year. Each university can nominate up to five theses annually, one from each discipline. The UGC will begin inviting nominations on January 1, with the submission deadline set for March 31. A selection committee will review the nominations, and winners will be recommended by August 1. The citations will be officially awarded on Teachers’ Day, September 5.

Universities are encouraged to form their own screening committees to evaluate nominees based on criteria such as originality, research contribution, methodology, clarity, impact, references, presentation, and thesis defense. At the national level, the UGC will establish separate panels for each of the five disciplines, which will ultimately select two winners per stream. These panels will also have the authority to determine the most appropriate category for each thesis.

India to Develop Comprehensive Database for Citizens Pursuing Overseas Jobs and Education

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October 9, 2024

The Government of India is set to launch a comprehensive database to monitor citizens travelling abroad for employment and educational purposes. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the initiative during an inter-ministerial meeting held on October 8, aimed at tracking both domestic employment and the international movement of Indian citizens. The meeting, which saw Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje present, focused on enhancing collaboration between the Ministry of External Affairs and NITI Aayog to ensure proper oversight and coordination.

The proposed database will gather data on citizens migrating to Emigration Check Required (ECR) and Non-ECR countries, ensuring that both categories are tracked for employment and educational opportunities. Mandaviya stressed the importance of integrating platforms like the National Career Service (NCS), MY Bharat Platform, and eMigrate to offer a unified view of the job market. The initiative also aims to regulate recruiting agencies and address the skill gaps for overseas jobs, with industry associations playing a pivotal role in data collection. The creation of a centralised employment data portal will provide critical insights for policymaking and facilitate job creation both domestically and internationally.

Also Read: Bihar Prioritises Teacher Welfare with New Transfer Policy Focused on Health, Transparency

In parallel, the labour ministry is accelerating discussions on employment-linked incentive (ELI) schemes. Plans are underway to finalize the guidelines and announce three new schemes by the end of November. This follows a series of 15 meetings with stakeholders, including industry representatives, employee organisations, and government officials, as the ministry works to boost employment opportunities and streamline policy efforts in India.

Bihar Prioritises Teacher Welfare with New Transfer Policy Focused on Health, Transparency

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October 9, 2024

The Bihar government has introduced a new transfer and posting policy for government school teachers. The policy prioritises those facing serious health conditions and disabilities and aims to streamline transfers while enhancing the overall quality of education in the state.

Bihar Education Minister Sunil Kumar, while announcing the policy on Monday, emphasised that all transfer applications will be processed online, ensuring a more efficient and transparent system.

“This new transfer policy will bring uniformity in the transfer and posting of teachers across Bihar. It will not only provide much-needed relief to teachers but also contribute to improving the quality of education in government schools,” Minister Kumar stated.

The policy prioritizes teachers dealing with serious health issues, disabilities, or challenging personal circumstances. Those who are widowed, divorced, living alone, or part of a husband-wife teaching pair will receive preferential treatment during transfers.

Minister Kumar further outlined that female representation in schools would be regulated, with the number of female teachers in any school capped at 70%.

Additionally, the policy mandates that teachers must be transferred after every five years of service at a particular location. To ease the transition, the education department will offer teachers 10 options for preferred posting locations, ensuring they are placed in a subdivision or district near their current assignment.

The new policy will also facilitate the transfer and posting of more than 1.80 lakh teachers who have passed competency tests across the state. However, the policy will not apply to teachers appointed by local municipal bodies who have yet to pass the required competency exams.

Also Read: Dubai Opens Golden Visa Applications for Outstanding Teachers Starting October 15

“This policy is specifically for government-appointed teachers who have cleared the BPSC (Bihar Public Service Commission) exams and those who have successfully passed the mandatory tests,” Kumar clarified.

A district-level panel has been established to address any grievances regarding transfers, providing teachers with a mechanism to resolve their concerns.

Dubai Opens Golden Visa Applications for Outstanding Teachers Starting October 15

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October 8, 2024

Indian teachers working in Dubai’s private education sector have a reason to celebrate. As part of the World Teachers’ Day celebrations, the UAE government announced that teachers who have shown exceptional dedication and made significant contributions to education in Dubai will soon be eligible to apply for the coveted Golden Visa. Applications for the Golden Residency for Distinguished Educators will open on October 15, 2024.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council, directed that long-term Golden Visas be granted to distinguished teachers in recognition of their invaluable work in shaping future generations.

What is Dubai’s Golden Visa?

The Golden Visa is a long-term residence permit that allows foreign talents to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a local sponsor. Introduced to attract skilled professionals, it is available to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, exceptional students, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline workers.

Golden Visa recipients enjoy several key benefits:

An entry visa for six months with multiple entries to facilitate residence issuance
A long-term, renewable residence visa valid for 5 or 10 years
No need for a local sponsor to remain in the UAE
Permission to stay outside the UAE for more than six months without losing residency
The ability to sponsor family members, including spouses and children, regardless of their age
The option to employ an unlimited number of domestic helpers
Family members may remain in the UAE until their permit expires, even if the Golden Visa holder passes away.

Golden Visa for Teachers

Eligible teachers include those working in early childhood centres, private schools, and international higher education institutions in Dubai. Selection is based on academic achievements and their impact on the educational sector. Key criteria include:

Student performance and outcomes
Peer and community feedback
Contributions to improving education quality in Dubai

Speaking on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, Sheikh Hamdan praised educators for their essential role. “On this special day, we extend our congratulations to teachers, recognising their pivotal role in shaping the future. Teachers inspire today’s youth and tomorrow’s leaders, supporting Dubai’s development journey and reaffirming our commitment to investing in human capital,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

Also Read: Bihar Poised for Growth in Education and Health with AI-Driven Governance, says NITI Aayog CEO

Role of Indian Educators in UAE Schools

Indian teachers play a significant role in the UAE’s education landscape, especially in the Northern Emirates, where 76 schools follow the Indian curriculum. These schools include:

69 following the CBSE curriculum
4 following the ICSE curriculum
6 following the Kerala State Board curriculum

In the 2023-2024 academic year, 83% of students in Dubai’s Indian curriculum schools received a “good” or higher rating in their education. According to the UAE’s school inspection report, out of 32 private Indian curriculum schools with over 94,499 students:

1 school was rated “Outstanding”
10 schools were rated “Very Good”
14 schools were rated “Good”
7 schools were rated “Acceptable”
No schools were rated “Weak” or “Very Weak”

Recruitment of Indian Teachers in the UAE

Although official figures on Indian teachers in Dubai are not readily available, the UAE has actively sought Indian educators. In 2019, a recruitment drive in India aimed to fill nearly 3,000 teaching positions in Emirati government schools. Indian teachers were offered monthly salaries of around Dh16,000 (approx. ₹304,017), a significant increase compared to salaries in India.

Bihar Poised for Growth in Education and Health with AI-Driven Governance, says NITI Aayog CEO

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October 8, 2024

NITI Aayog CEO BVR Subrahmanyam on Monday said that Bihar is making notable strides in key areas like education and health, positioning itself to catch up with the rest of the country within the next few years.

Addressing a press conference in Gaya, Subrahmanyam expressed confidence that several aspirational blocks and districts in Bihar would soon transform into “inspirational” areas due to improved governance and enhanced service delivery. His remarks come ahead of a national conference on data-driven governance, set to begin on Tuesday.

“Bihar is performing well in terms of basic indicators like education and health,” Subrahmanyam said, adding, “Thanks to better governance, a number of aspirational blocks and districts will soon be considered inspirational.”

He also highlighted Bihar’s pioneering use of AI-driven decision support systems, making it the first state in India to implement such technology for policymakers, mid-career officers, and trainees. This initiative is set to revolutionize data-driven governance and is expected to be a key factor in Bihar’s continued progress.

A major milestone in this journey will be Tuesday’s inauguration of the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development’s (BIPARD) GenNext Lab. Subrahmanyam emphasised that the lab, which he will personally inaugurate, will drive data-backed governance reforms across the state.

“BIPARD is positioning itself at the forefront of effective governance by aligning its strategies with rapidly evolving global realities,” he added.

The GenNext Lab is just one of several new initiatives aimed at improving decision-making and governance in Bihar. The Niti Shala, an immersive learning lab that uses advanced simulation technologies to create real-world training scenarios, and the Viksit Chintan Kaksh, a collaborative space for policy deliberation and decision-making, are other initiatives launched to foster an environment of innovation and reform in governance.

With state-of-the-art facilities for communication and data-sharing, these labs aim to facilitate policy discussions that will significantly impact Bihar’s governance reforms and development trajectory.

IIT Madras Launches 12-Day Industry-Oriented Digital Manufacturing Course

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October 8, 2024

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, in partnership with SWAYAM Plus, has introduced a 12-day hands-on training program to equip final-year engineering students with practical skills in digital manufacturing. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and the demands of the modern manufacturing industry.

Hands-On Training with Placement Assistance

The training offers students practical experience in essential areas such as 3D modeling, 3D printing, CNC programming, and machining. The program, set to run from October 14 to 26, 2024, will be held at IIT Madras campus. Final-year students will also receive placement support from the Central Skill Training Facility (CSTF) to connect them with start-ups and leading companies in the mechanical and manufacturing sectors.

Industry-Aligned Curriculum

The curriculum is designed with input from industry experts, focusing on key areas such as modeling, digital manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The course aims to close the skill gap between traditional engineering education and the current needs of the industry, providing students with up-to-date technical knowledge.

Also Read: Scholarships of Rs 40,000: Jharkhand’s SPKSY Initiative Empowers Girls’ Education and Fights Early Marriage

Affordable Learning with Focus on Practical Skills

With 80% of the course dedicated to hands-on learning, students will gain real-world skills at a subsidised fee of ₹6,000 plus GST. The program also offers affordable accommodation on the IIT Madras campus, ensuring accessibility for students nationwide.

Eligibility and Benefits

Open to final-year engineering students or graduates with mechanical, manufacturing, or production backgrounds, the program aims to prepare them for roles in manufacturing, R&D, or start-ups. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and supports SWAYAM Plus’ mission of enhancing employability through skill-based courses.

Reliance Industries, TCS, ONGC, Infosys Among 111 Firms On Board Government’s Internship Scheme

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October 7, 2024

The government’s new internship scheme, which aims to provide youth with opportunities in top Indian firms, has garnered interest from 111 major companies, including Reliance Industries, TCS, HDFC Bank, ONGC, Infosys, and more. The initiative, announced in the Union Budget for FY25, is set to offer internships to 1.25 lakh youth in its first year, with a long-term goal of training 10 million over the next five years.

As per official sources, the scheme reserves 50% of its internships for candidates from SC, ST, and OBC communities, mirroring the reservation system in government jobs. It is designed to enhance employability by offering internships with India’s leading companies.

The participating companies have made 1,077 internship offers on the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal, which will open for applications on October 12. The virtual training of company executives who will mentor the interns has also commenced, as the government officially rolled out the scheme on a pilot basis last week.

The program targets the top 500 companies based on their average Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) spending over the past three years. Companies’ voluntary participation is expected to give youth an edge by increasing their exposure to potential employers.

12-month training period from December 2nd

Internships will officially begin on December 2, with a 12-month training period. If the top 500 partner companies are unable to offer the required internships, they may collaborate with their suppliers or vendors to fulfill the target, while still overseeing the program’s implementation.

Eligibility criteria

Eligible candidates must have completed Grade 10 and be between 21-24 years of age. However, graduates from premier institutions like IITs and IIMs, as well as professionals with qualifications such as CA, CMA, MBBS, and MBA, will not be eligible. Candidates with family incomes exceeding ₹8 lakh or those with family members working as permanent government employees are also excluded from applying.

How to apply

The application process involves candidates registering on the MCA portal, where a shortlist of applicants will be automatically generated based on profiles and preferences. Participating companies will then review and select candidates from this list.

Financial support and benefits

The scheme also provides financial support to interns, who will receive ₹5,000 per month, with ₹4,500 coming from the government and ₹500 from the participating companies’ CSR funds. Interns will also receive a one-time grant of ₹6,000 for incidental expenses. The training costs will be borne by the companies through their CSR funds.

In addition, all interns will receive insurance coverage under government schemes like PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, with the government paying the premiums. The scheme aims to promote inclusivity, especially through its 50% reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates, which has been praised by industry bodies like the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Companies will have a dedicated dashboard on the portal to post internship opportunities and manage applications. Eligible candidates can explore internships based on sectors, roles, and locations, and apply for up to five positions.

With a planned financial outlay of ₹800 crore for FY25, this scheme represents a significant investment in developing India’s future workforce.

Scholarships of Rs 40,000: Jharkhand’s SPKSY Initiative Empowers Girls’ Education and Fights Early Marriage

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October 4, 2024

In a significant push to support adolescent girls from underprivileged backgrounds, the Jharkhand government’s Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana (SPKSY) is helping them pursue education and avoid early marriage, officials said. Launched by the Hemant Soren government, the SPKSY has been pivotal in curbing school dropouts, discouraging child marriage, and encouraging higher education for girls, according to state officials.

For families like Laxman Hajam’s, the SPKSY scheme has been life-changing. His daughter, currently in Class 10, dreams of becoming a doctor. “Thanks to the financial assistance, she can continue her studies without worrying about the cost,” Hajam said.

The SPKSY provides a total scholarship of ₹40,000 to adolescent girls, disbursed in six installments. Girls in classes 8 to 12 receive ₹20,000 across five installments, with an additional one-time payment of ₹20,000 when they turn 18 or 19.

Government data shows that around 715,000 girls have enrolled in the scheme for the 2023-24 academic year, with benefits expected to reach 900,000 girls. Speaking at the outreach initiative ‘Apki Yojna, Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar’ (Your Scheme, Your Government at Your Doorstep), Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized that families no longer need to worry about educating their daughters. The scheme, originally restricted to two girls per family, has now been extended to all girls.

Also Read: Dubai’s New Education 33 Strategy Promises 49,000 Affordable Schools, Boosts in Education Tourism

Parents like Dhaneshwari Devi from Ranchi’s Kanke block find the financial support crucial for their daughters’ education. Meanwhile, a Class 11 student from Dhanbad, who hails from a minority community, shared how SPKSY allowed her to avoid an early marriage. “My family had arranged my marriage, but I wanted to continue studying. The scheme is helping me chase my dreams,” she said.

Dubai’s New Education 33 Strategy Promises 49,000 Affordable Schools, Boosts in Education Tourism

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October 3, 2024

The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai has provided further details on Education 33 (E33), a new strategy aimed at transforming the Emirate’s education system. Speaking at a press conference hosted by the Government of Dubai Media Office, Aisha Miran, Director General of KHDA, said: “Education 33 reflects the forward-thinking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to equip future generations with the skills, knowledge, and values needed to lead in an evolving global environment. This strategy will reinforce Dubai’s position as a global hub for education and innovation.”

First announced by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, E33 marks a major step in Dubai’s efforts to establish a future-ready education system.

Miran highlighted that the strategy’s objective is to provide every student in Dubai with a world-class education that meets the highest international standards. While being rooted in Emirati values, E33 embraces Dubai’s multicultural diversity, ensuring that heritage and diversity are central to the educational experience.

Moving from traditional to modern ecosystem

The E33 strategy aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33. It shifts from a traditional, institution-centred model to a learner-centred ecosystem, focusing on lifelong education from early childhood to higher education and beyond. The goal is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.

E33 is based on five strategic goals and supported by 28 initiatives aimed at transforming education at all levels. The strategy’s targets for 2033 include increasing affordable school seat capacity by 49,000, achieving a 90% satisfaction rate among parents, and adding 3,000 Emirati teachers to Dubai’s workforce. Additionally, it aims to grow education tourism ten-fold and attract prestigious international universities to the city.

Endorsed by Dubai’s leadership, the E33 strategy supports the Dubai Social Agenda’s goal of placing Dubai among the top 10 cities for education by 2033. Miran said, “Through this strategy, we are not just preparing our students for tomorrow—we are empowering them to lead it.”

The five strategic goals include:

Empowering Emirati students with high-quality education
Providing accessible and equitable education,
Engaging educators and parents to promote lifelong learning,
Positioning Dubai as a world-class learning destination, and
Fostering an ecosystem based on research and innovation.

Also Read: Andhra Pradesh Launches First-Ever Skill Census in Mangalagiri

The 28 ‘Game Changer’ initiatives include embedding Emirati culture in education, promoting Arabic as a key language, personalising learning journeys, growing the number of Emirati educators, and elevating vocational training standards.

The E33 strategy was shaped through consultation with more than 290 educational institutions and over 700 participants, including educators, parents, and students, contributing to its comprehensive framework for the future of Dubai’s education system.

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