Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, marked National Women’s Day by inaugurating the National Skill Training Institute for Women in Agartala and a girl’s hostel in Vadodara, Gujarat. These initiatives exemplify strides in empowering #NariShakti, ushering in a new era in skill development efforts.

These institutes underscore the government’s commitment to providing equitable access to skill training for women across the nation. By bringing vocational education closer to women, barriers are being dismantled, enabling them to realize their full potential in the workforce.

During the inauguration, attended by dignitaries such as Smt. Pratima Bhoumik, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, and Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, Dharmendra Pradhan expressed satisfaction in launching initiatives that symbolize women’s empowerment in eastern and western India. These initiatives are envisioned to illuminate the path for women, equipping them with skills and attitude for the advancement envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

The National Skill Training Institute (Women) in Agartala, with an investment of Rs. 17 crores, signifies progress and commitment. Operationalized in Gurkhabasti, Agartala, in 2015, under MSDE, GoI, the institute focuses on providing vocational training to female trainees from Tripura and the Northeast region. It currently offers courses in Cosmetology, Dress Making, and Secretarial Practice (English) under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), with plans to introduce new trades under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) in the 2023-24 session.

The hostel building at NSTI Vadodara, constructed at a cost of Rs. 6 crores, exemplifies the institute’s dedication to providing conducive learning environments. Equipped with amenities like a gymnasium, the hostel promotes holistic development. NSTI Vadodara, established in 1993, has been a pioneer in women’s skill development.

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