New Delhi: The Directorate General of Training (DGT) has signed an agreement with the Pilani Innovation & Entrepreneurship Development Society (PIEDS) of BITS Pilani to enhance skill training and promote entrepreneurship among students of National Skill Training Institutes (NSTIs).
Focus on Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The collaboration aims to integrate industry-relevant skills with practical entrepreneurship programs to better prepare students for the job market. The initiative includes two core programs:
- The Innovation Challenge: Open to NSTI trainees and alumni, with a special track for women to encourage female entrepreneurship.
- The Open Incubation Program: A six-month grant-based program providing mentorship, funding, and workshops to support business ideas.
Both programs are designed to identify high-potential projects, which will undergo review at institutional, zonal, and national levels.
Bridging the Skills Gap
DGT Director General Trishaljit Sethi emphasized that the partnership combines the strengths of DGT’s skill training ecosystem with BITS Pilani’s academic expertise. “The focus is on creating a future-ready workforce by fostering an entrepreneurial mindset,” she said.
This move aligns with broader government efforts to overhaul India’s skill training infrastructure, supported by a budget of ₹60,000 crore to upgrade ITIs. The partnership is expected to strengthen industry-academia ties and boost employability through internships and dual training systems.
Addressing Emerging Trends
The initiative also responds to a growing trend of engineering graduates and postgraduates enrolling in skill-based training programs like the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS). By leveraging BITS Pilani’s reputation and industry connections, DGT aims to raise awareness about skilling opportunities among students and stakeholders.
Prof. Arya Kumar, Dean of Alumni Relations at BITS Pilani, highlighted the potential of such programs to encourage startups and employment, particularly among women. With India being recognized as one of the most job-ready markets in areas like AI and green technologies, the partnership seeks to align skilling efforts with industry demands, further strengthening the nation’s workforce readiness.
