In a significant push for skill development and digital empowerment, President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday virtually inaugurated a new regional centre of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) along with a dedicated IGNOU skill centre in Rairangpur, located in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district.
Boosting Employment Through Integrated Education
The event was organized under the Skilling for AI Readiness (SOAR) initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, addressing the gathering, emphasized the transformative potential of the new centres. He stated that for the first time, skill education will be provided alongside academic education through IGNOU, a move expected to significantly boost local employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Leveraging AI for Tribal and Rural Empowerment
Pradhan highlighted that under President Murmu's guidance—herself an educator—these centres will particularly uplift the most marginalized sections of society. He outlined a vision where the rich natural resources, forests, and labour force of Mayurbhanj will be effectively harnessed. This will be achieved by connecting local tribal and rural communities with artificial intelligence and modern technologies, thereby enhancing their capabilities and productivity.
The Union Minister connected this local initiative to a global context, noting that India is currently hosting the 'AI Impact' conference. While the world often views AI with apprehension, Pradhan asserted that India must see it as a profound opportunity. He announced arrangements to educate the new generation through AI, predicting that the 'AI for All' mission will be a game-changer in the coming days.
Foundation for a Self-Reliant and Developed India
Linking the development to national goals, Pradhan said that to realize Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of an 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India), the economic output of citizens must increase. A key to building a developed India, he added, is raising workforce participation from the current 50% to 75%. Skill development serves as the essential foundation for achieving this critical target, the minister concluded.
