New Delhi: In a significant stride towards promoting skill development and entrepreneurship, Jitan Ram Manjhi, Union Minister for MSME, and Shobha Karandlaje, Minister of State (MSME), inaugurated the New Skill Development Training Programme on July 18th, 2024 at NSIC Technical Service Centre (NTSC) in Okhla, New Delhi. The event witnessed the presence of S.C.L. Das, Secretary (MSME), Mercy Epao, JS-SME, and Dr. S.S. Acharya, CMD, NSIC. The inauguration ceremony commenced with a welcome by Dr. S.S. Acharya, who emphasised the critical role of skill development in bolstering the MSME sector. He highlighted the NSIC’s commitment to providing world-class training facilities to empower the youth and budding entrepreneurs.

A pivotal moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NSIC and M/s Drone Destination. This MoU aims to integrate advanced drone technology training into the skill development programmes, offering MSMEs a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Further strengthening the support for MSMEs, MoUs were also signed with three banks under NSIC’s Credit Facilitation scheme.

During the event, new skill development training programmes were launched. These programmes are meticulously designed to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their respective fields.

Jitan Ram Manjhi, in his address, said, "The MSME Sector is the backbone of the Indian economy and today’s event marks a new chapter in our journey towards a skilled and empowered India. Empowering rural entrepreneurs would also be the priority in order to ensure holistic growth of the MSME Sector."

Shobha Karandlaje, while addressing the gathering, said, "Our focus is to create a robust ecosystem that nurtures talent and fosters innovation. These training programmes are a step towards realising this vision.”

The Secretary (MSME), in his address, said that MSMEs in the technology sector are the key enterprises that would contribute to making India a drone hub of the world and in this journey no stone would be left unturned by the Ministry.

An exhibition was also held at the venue where passed-out trainees from NSIC, who are now entrepreneurs, showcased their products. Both Ministers interacted with the entrepreneurs at their stalls, congratulated them on their success, and motivated them. /BI