Nishant Saxena
In a bid to foster technological prowess and empower the youth, the Uttar Pradesh government’s visionary initiative has sent a group of 100 students and 100 teachers from the State to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. This transformative one-month program, commencing on June 5, focuses on the cutting-edge realms of New Age and Modern Technology, including advanced computing, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
With the aim of equipping participants with essential skills for lucrative employment opportunities both within India and abroad, this pioneering course holds tremendous potential. As the teachers immerse themselves in this enriching experience, they will play a pivotal role in cascading the acquired knowledge and benefits to their students, aligning with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s resolute emphasis on skill development encapsulated in the motto ‘Sabko hunar, Sabko kaam’ (Skills for All, Employment for All).
The inception of this transformative venture can be traced back to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the UP Skill Development Mission and IIT Mandi. In adherence to the MoU, a rigorous online test was conducted, culminating in the selection of 100 meritorious students from Intermediate Colleges and ITIs in UP. The chosen participants showcased exceptional aptitude and a science background, making them ideal candidates for this immersive program.
Alongside the students, 50 secondary education teachers and 50 ITI instructors have also been handpicked to partake in these groundbreaking courses. On Friday, amidst great enthusiasm, five buses were dispatched to transport the eager learners to Mandi. Vocational Education and Skill Development Minister (Independent Charge) Kapil Dev Aggarwal and Secondary Education Minister (Independent Charge) Gulab Devi ceremoniously flagged off the buses, symbolizing the government’s steadfast commitment to fostering a skilled workforce.
Under the auspices of the UP Skill Development Mission, the entire program’s funding has been secured. The 50 selected secondary education teachers were nominated by their respective departments, while the ITI instructors were nominated by the Director of Training and Employment. Upon completion of the courses at IIT Mandi, these esteemed teachers will return as master trainers, armed with the knowledge and expertise to facilitate similar programs in Intermediate Colleges and ITIs.
Buoyed by the success of this pioneering endeavor, the UP Skill Development Mission is actively exploring future collaborations with other esteemed institutions such as IIT Bombay, IIT Tirupati, IIT Kanpur, and IIT BHU, in order to extend such summer courses to a wider student base. These potential future MoUs exemplify the mission’s unwavering commitment to democratizing access to high-quality technical education.
Furthermore, the Skill Development Mission is engaged in discussions with prominent private enterprises like HCL Technology to create opportunities for UP students to enhance their skills in emerging technologies. The mission is also contemplating the launch of a specialized training program focused on cutting-edge domains like 5G, aimed at equipping the youth with indispensable skills for the future.
This landmark initiative marks a significant stride towards fostering technological excellence, bridging the skills gap, and paving the way for a promising future for the students and teachers of Uttar Pradesh.
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