Did Ashwini Vaishnaw Just Inaugurate NIELIT Digital University?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- NIELIT Digital University (NDU) aims to democratize access to digital education.
- Five new centres have been launched across India.
- Programs focus on AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Science.
- MoUs signed with major tech companies to enhance collaboration.
- NIELIT is pivotal in addressing the skill gap in India.
New Delhi, Oct 2 (NationPress) Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially launched the NIELIT Digital University (NDU) platform today, aimed at making high-quality digital education accessible to everyone. He also virtually inaugurated five additional NIELIT centres.
The platform is set to provide courses focused on industry-relevant technologies, including AI, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Semiconductors. These offerings will feature flexible learning modes and virtual labs, preparing youth for the demands of the future, according to government sources.
During the event, Vaishnaw also launched five new NIELIT centres located in Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Balasore (Odisha), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Daman (Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu), and Lunglei (Mizoram).
With these new centres, NIELIT is further solidifying its role in shaping India’s technological landscape. The event also saw the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between NIELIT and companies such as Microsoft, Zscaler, CCRYN, Dixon Tech, and Future Crime.
"Three years ago, we decided to set up a Digital University. While many options were considered, NIELIT emerged as the best choice. We need to compile a list of 500 industry partners, not limited to just electronics or IT. These technologies are essential across various sectors," Vaishnaw stated.
He further emphasized the importance of aligning education with industry needs, stating, "Our aim is to train students to meet the specific demands of sectors utilizing electronics and IT. The electronics manufacturing industry alone is valued at ₹13 lakh crore, and I am confident that NIELIT will reach even greater heights soon."
Emphasizing the significance of the MoUs, Vaishnaw noted that they will enhance collaboration between industry and academia.
He urged NIELIT to engage with the top 500 companies and establish MoUs, advocating the motto, "YOU DECIDE WHAT TO TEACH," to ensure that NIELIT’s offerings are in line with industry requirements.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of MeitY, remarked that the launch of the NDU platform is a significant milestone, given the diverse range of courses now available.
He pointed out that NIELIT operates centres even in challenging terrains where quality educational institutions are scarce, thus fulfilling a crucial role in providing technical education in remote areas through cutting-edge infrastructure. The NDU platform will serve as a vital catalyst in bridging the skill-employability gap.