Dharmendra Pradhan launches ‘skills on wheels’ initiative to train youth of Odisha

NEW DELHI: Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has flagged off “Kaushal Rath”, a specialised bus designed to provide skill training and certification to aspiring youths of Sambalpur, Angul, and Deogarh districts in Odisha.

The initiative led by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) aims to promote growth and innovation by providing accessible practical training.

“These buses, equipped with cutting-edge tools, facilities, and professional trainers, will provide training and certification in a variety of course modules, including digital literacy, financial literacy, retail and entrepreneurial skills, and others,” the official statement said.

All of these courses are available on Skill India Digital (SID), an online training platform that has been specifically created and built to skill, reskill, and upskill Indians.

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The Kaushal Rath will travel through numerous districts in Orissa, establishing links with the youth by providing training options for jobs and self-employment. The Kaushal Rath, equipped with computers, tools, facilities, and certified trainers, will travel across the districts of Angul, Sambalpur, and Deogarh.

Speaking at the launch, Dharmendra Pradhan said: “As AI and ML grow more prevalent in our daily lives, it is essential that we educate our children in digital literacy and financial literacy so that they may succeed in the world of digital financial services. Furthermore, with the country rapidly transitioning to a formidable digital payment ecosystem, as seen by India's dominance in accounting for Rs 45 out of every Rs 100 in digital transactions, our local youth must be well-versed in digital literacy and modern technology.”

The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and HP India claim to be extending skill development opportunities to youth in distant parts of Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, as part of the 'Kaushal Rath' initiative, a tailored bus promoting the 'Skill India Mission. HP has already donated 43 large IT vans and 27 small ones in various Indian states.