New Delhi, February 2024.

On the auspicious occasion of Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary which also recognized as National Women’s Day, Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Govt of India, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, inaugurated the National SkillTraining Institute for Women Agartala and alsoinaugurated a girl’s hostel in Vadodara, Gujarat. These milestones signify a significant stride towards empowering #NariShakti, creating a conducive environment for female trainees pursuing skill development, marking a new era in skill development initiatives.

The establishment of these institutes is a testament to our commitment to provide equitable access to skill training opportunities for women across the nation. By bringing quality vocational education closer to their doorstep, we are breaking down barriers and enabling women to unleash their full potential in the workforce.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Smt. Pratima Bhoumik, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, Smt. Santana Chakma, Hon’ble Minister of Industries and Commerce, Jail (Home) and Welfare of OBCs, Govt of Tripura, Smt. Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Vadodara, Shri Ram Prasad Paul, Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, Legislative Assembly Tripura and Smt. PinkybenNirajbhai Soni, Hon’ble Mayor, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, reaffirming the government's commitment to nurturing talent and promoting equality.

In his virtual address, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship said, “ Glad to inaugurate the National Skill Training Institute Agartala and Girl’s Hostel at NSTI Vadodara on the occasion of National Women’s Day. The initiatives launched today will stand as true symbols of women empowerment in two important centres of eastern and western India. They will work towards illuminating the path of the women in the region equipping them with skills, and attitude and help in the advancement of women led development envisioned by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.”

Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripurasaid, "As we mark another milestone in our journey towards empowerment, I am proud to witness the impact of our initiatives in skill development. Over the past nine years, the Directorate of Skill Development has equipped 42 thousand individuals with valuable skills, with over 17,000 benefiting from the PMKVY program alone. Our dedication to women empowerment goes beyond rhetoric; it's reflected in tangible actions aimed at fostering self-reliance. Recognizing the pivotal role of economic independence, we've shifted our focus to ensure that women have the tools to secure their financial futures.”

“The Tripura State Policy for Empowerment of Women 2022 stands as a testament to our commitment, outlining our strategic approach to fostering gender equality and economic empowerment. Through concrete steps, we're breaking barriers and facilitating the active participation of women in every sphere of society. Together, let's continue this journey towards a more inclusive and empowered Tripura," he added.

With a total investment of Rs. 17 crores, the institute's permanent campus of National Skill Training Institute (Women) at Anand Nagar, Agartala now stands as a symbol of progress and commitment. NSTI (W) Agartala, operationalized in Gurkhabasti, Agartala, West Tripura, in 2015 under MSDE, GoI, focuses on providing vocational training to female trainees from Tripura and the Northeast region. With an emphasis on trades with high employability, the institute offers need-based training for wage and self-employment. The recently inaugurated permanent campus built over 4.12 acres signifies a commitment to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for skill development. The campus includes academic and administrative blocks, along with a hostel accommodating 32 girls.

Under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), NSTI (W) Agartala offers courses in Cosmetology, Dress Making, and Secretarial Practice (English). The introduction of new trades under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) from the 2023-24 session, including Catering and Hospitality, Computer Software Application, and Office Management, reflects the institute's commitment to evolving industry needs. With 102 trainees currently enrolled and plans to admit 200 more in the upcoming session, NSTI (W) Agartala aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.

The newly constructed two-storey hostel building at NSTI Vadodara, at an approximate cost of Rs. 6 crores, exemplifies the institute's dedication to providing conducive learning environments. With 40 rooms accommodating 80 trainees on a twin-sharing basis, the facility ensures comfortable living conditions with natural ventilation. Equipped with amenities such as a gymnasium and open spaces for sports activities, the hostel promotes holistic development among trainees.

NSTI Vadodara, initially established in 1993, has been a pioneer in women's skill development. The institute, now housed in its own campus spanning 6 acres, recently added a new hostel building to accommodate more trainees. With a focus on trades under CTS and CITS, NSTI Vadodara offers a diverse range of courses, including Computer Operator Programming Assistant, Fashion Design and Technology, and Office Management. The institute's commitment to skill enhancement is further evident through short-term training programs, catering to a wide range of skillsets.

Last year in November, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the establishment of NSTI Plus, aimed at enhancing the skills of the youth in Odisha. Situated on a sprawling 7.8-acre campus in Jatni, Bhubaneswar, NSTI Plus will emerge as a modern gurukul to equip candidates as well as trainers with industry and future-ready skills.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan's virtual inauguration of NSTI campus and hostel underscores the government's unwavering commitment to skill development and women's empowerment. These initiatives aim to bridge the skill gap, empower women with livelihood opportunities, and contribute to the nation's socio-economic progress.