Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Opens Skill India Centre In Baraut, Baghpat

In a significant move towards accelerating India’s skill development initiative and equipping youth with cutting-edge skills, Union Minister for Railways; Information & Broadcasting; and Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, today jointly inaugurated Skill India Centre (SIC) at Ch. Kehar Singh Divya Public School, Baraut, Baghpat. 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.

Addressing the gathering, Shri 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. With more learners now adopting AI-enabled tools and training; the local workforce is becoming future-ready for emerging and relevant job roles.”

On this occasion while addressing the gathering, Shri 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 centers like this, we are creating pathways for local talent to thrive in emerging sectors and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.”

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.