The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology and IBM India joined hands to build future ready skills and enhance employability.

With this collaboration they will create a robust education and skilling ecosystem that creates critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and next generation innovators through the Common Services Centre Academy.

In this collaboration, IBM will provide content with its key skilling programs for the training services and in community development programmes which are- SkillsBuild and STEM for Girls. These IBM programmes give learning in various technologies including Cloud and AI.

India’s telecom sector, in the efforts of enabling policies including more quantum of the spectrum, is set to establish new benchmarks in the next-generation network deployments and service delivery.

IBM said they will focus on getting learners involved in training, workshops, train-the-trainer programs and co-create training materials and conduct orientation camps. This programme will provide employment to 4000 village level youth in the identified rural areas.

“Exponential technologies like AI and Hybrid Cloud can drive path-breaking innovations and fuel the nation’s digital India vision. To make this a reality there is a need to create the right avenues and platforms for learners to be equipped with industry-ready skills. Our collaboration with MeitY and CSC Academy will open up access to deep technological resources and expertise to learners with diverse backgrounds and educational needs and focus on skill upgradation through experiential learning – initiatives aimed at enhancing employability.” Managing Director, IBM India/South Asia Sandip Patel, said in a statement.

CSC Academy is a scheme of Digital India program. It supports more than 3.7 lakh common service centers including 60,000 Women only centers. They plan to set up 6,000 CSC Academy centers out of which 5,000 are already set up across the country.

“The National Education Policy’s focus on experiential learning and skills like critical thinking, problem solving etc are aimed at bridging the skills gap of India’s workforce. This will in turn play a pivotal role in building a skilled workforce for local industries thereby powering the success of GoI’s flagship programs like Make in India, Skill India, Digital India, Startup India etc. This collaboration with IBM aligns with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on learning 21st century skills to ensure the future-readiness of India’s youth and realizing the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.” Managing Director, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited Dr Dinesh Tyagi said in a statement.

MeitY will monitor the implementation of CSC scheme through CSC SPV (CSC Special Purpose Vehicle) and provide a framework for delivery to services to citizens through CSCs.