Nagpur: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said the skill university would bridge the long-standing gap between institute and industry by offering courses designed jointly with industry partners. The institution is expected to house 11 specialised schools catering to sectors such as electric vehicles, renewable energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and other emerging industries that are witnessing rapid growth in Vidarbha.Fadnavis said the region is witnessing big-ticket investments in solar energy, electric vehicles, healthcare and iron ore-based industries, creating significant demand for skilled manpower. “While industries have jobs to offer, they often struggle to find trained manpower. Skill university and skill centre will ensure local youth acquire the skills required by these industries,” he said.
Fadnavis added that around 75% of candidates undergoing skill training currently secure employment, and govt aims to raise the placement rate to 90% through stronger industry collaboration and modern training programmes.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari said he has sought 100 acres from chief minister Devendra Fadnavis for the proposed university, which would help industries access locally trained manpower and reduce dependence on talent from outside Maharashtra. “Vidarbha is on the verge of rapid industrialisation, with large investments flowing into sectors such as steel, defence, mining, and manufacturing, particularly in Gadchiroli district,” Gadkari said.
He also added that coal bed methane (CBM) has been found in coal mines in the region and it will be used for making CNG.
Fadnavis and Gadkari jointly inaugurated the Nagpur Skill Centre, developed through a collaboration between the Association for Industrial Development (AID), Tata STRIVE, Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Vidarbha Global Foundation.
The modern training facility has the capacity to train around 2,000 youth annually. It offers free short-term courses for students who have completed Class 10, Class 12 or graduation, with programmes including on-the-job training, personality development, entrepreneurship support, placement assistance, computer education and English language training to improve employability.
Nagpur guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, former MP Ajay Sancheti, legislators Krishna Khopde, Rajiv Potdar and Sanjay Bhende, mayor Neeta Thakre, standing committee chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare, deputy mayor Leela Hathibed, AID president Ashish Kale, and Tata STRIVE CEO Ameya Wanjari were among those present.
