BARAUT (BAGHAT): In a significant move towards accelerating India’s skill development initiative and equipping youth with cutting-edge skills, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Union Minister for Railways; Information & Broadcasting; and Electronics & IT, today inaugurated Skill India Centre (SIC) at Ch. Kehar Singh Divya Public School, Baraut, Baghpat, in the esteemed presence of Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India. The Centre has been established by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in collaboration with Redington Foundation. The launch marks a significant expansion of last-mile skilling access for rural youth and women in Uttar Pradesh.
Through this initiative, NSDC and Redington Foundation aim to train around 600 candidates—mainly underprivileged youth and women—from Baraut and Chhaprauli blocks in the Baghpat district. The Baraut centre will serve as the training hub, supported by a spoke centre in Chhaprauli to widen local access. The courses, designed around the fast-growing electronics and IT-ITeS sectors, reflect the region’s demand for skilled professionals and the national push toward a digitally empowered workforce.
While inaugurating the Centre, Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the significance of building a workforce aligned with emerging industry demands. He said, “This initiative in Baraut strengthens the government’s mission of building a technologically empowered workforce that can support India’s expanding digital and electronics ecosystem. When quality skilling reaches rural districts, it unlocks aspirations, expands local opportunities, and accelerates social transformation. The partnership between NSDC and Redington Foundation is a powerful example of how government and industry can collaborate to create high-impact, future-ready training ecosystems.”
Addressing the gathering, Jayant Chaudhary emphasized the transformative role of skills in nation-building. He said, “Today’s inauguration of the Skill India Centre in Baraut reflects the government’s commitment to taking opportunities to the doorstep of every youth, especially in rural and underserved regions. The Centre would become a gateway of new possibilities for young people in the region. Skilling is not just about employment—it is about dignity, mobility, and confidence. With industry partners like Redington Foundation, we are creating pathways for local talent to thrive in emerging sectors and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.”
“With the establishment of the Skill India Centre, Redington Foundation in partnership NSDC, reaffirms its commitment to Unlock Impact by equipping rural and underprivileged youth across Baghpat with future-ready, job-oriented skills. Courses designed around advanced electronics and IT domains, this Centre will serve as an important learning hub that expands earning opportunities, strengthens employability, and builds a highly skilled workforce aligned with India’s ambitious technology-led growth. This initiative marks a decisive step toward accelerating digital adoption and supporting communities across rural India.” – R. Venkatesh, Global Chief Sustainability Officer
During the visit, both ministers interacted with trainees, explored the training labs, and encouraged young learners to embrace new-age skills that support long-term employability.
The impact of the ongoing collaboration is already visible. A total of 72 candidates from Baghpat, trained under Redington Foundation’s CSR initiative in partnership with NSDC, have been placed in reputed organizations.
The inauguration of the SIC stands as a significant milestone toward creating an inclusive skilling ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh, helping young citizens acquire industry-relevant skills and move toward financial independence.
(India CSR)
