Mumbai/Bangalore : Directorate General of Training (DGT) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has joined hands with Aditya Birla Capital Foundation (ABCF) & Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), the incubator of BITS Pilani, to promote Innovation & Entrepreneurship among students in all National Skills Training Institutes (NSTI) across the country.  NSTIs, under the aegis of DGT, provide vocational training to create a pool of Instructor trainees and skilled manpower for industries. At present, there are 33 NSTIs operational in the country, where more than 10,000 students pursuing skill training under the Craft Instructor Training Schemes (CITS) and Craftsmen Training Scheme(CTS).There are designated NSTI(W) as well, that specifically focus on women’s vocational training.

Even though there is ample support for innovations to become ventures at School and Higher Education levels, minimal support exists for the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, that includes more than 13 lacs students enrolled in ITIs and NSTIs. Majority of the TVET graduates get absorbed in the industry, work as trainers or educators, or get into traditional self-employment trades.

Speaking at the launch, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, Secretary, MSDE, Government of India said, “At the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, we believe that every skilled individual carry within them the potential to become a job creator. Through this partnership with the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation, we are enabling NSTI students to channel their technical skills into innovation and enterprise. The Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha will empower our young innovators to transform ideas into sustainable ventures, strengthening India’s vision of becoming an Aatmanirbhar and innovation-driven nation.”

The innovation challenge has been launched under the title Navonmesh Protsahan Spardha: Kaushalta se Udyamita, with the objective to nurture skill-based innovation in NSTI students. Being a first of its kind innovation challenge, it will cater to 10,000+ NSTI students and will include mentoring, prizes, access to resources, and further incubation, for launching the ideas of students in the market. The focus of the program will be students with innovative ideas in IT/ITeS, Automotive, Apparel, Electronics & Hardware and Power, and Capital Goods & Manufacturing sectors. Pilani Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS), the incubator of BITS Pilani, would be managing this program, and is being supported under the Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives of the Aditya Birla Capital Foundation.