India, January 24, 2025 – scanO, India’s leading AI-powered dentistry ecosystem, today released its India Dental Report for 2024. Based on platform data collected over the past year, the report highlights key oral health trends, revealing that the average Indian faces six dental diseases. The report identifies dental stains (64%), tooth decay (48%), and tooth attrition (46%) as the most prevalent oral health issues across the country. States like Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, and Karnataka have the highest recorded cases, painting a concerning picture of the nation’s oral health.

The report shows that 64% of Indians are grappling with dental stains caused by common dietary habits and lifestyle choices. Tea, coffee, and turmeric-based dishes, staples in the Indian diet, contribute to persistent staining. Smoking and chewing betel nuts further compound the issue.

Urban populations increasingly seek cosmetic dental solutions to address stains, but many in rural and semi-urban areas delay care due to limited access, fear, or lack of awareness.

Tooth Decay Impacts Nearly Half of India’s Population

Tooth decay, affecting 48% of Indians, is identified as the most widespread dental condition. It begins with plaque accumulation in pits and fissures, leading to cavities that often go unnoticed until severe stages. Poor oral hygiene and frequent sugar consumption are primary contributors, particularly among children and young adults. Left untreated, decay can cause pain, infection, and tooth loss, highlighting the importance of early detection and regular dental visits.

46% of Indians Experience Tooth Attrition

Attrition affects 46% of individuals, caused by enamel erosion due to dietary habits, stress-induced grinding, and misaligned teeth. Stress-related clenching, particularly in urban areas, is a growing contributor to this condition. Attrition often progresses silently, leading to sensitivity and shortened teeth. Severe cases can result in chronic pain and long-term damage if not addressed early.

“India’s oral health crisis is a stark reminder of how neglecting prevention can snowball into widespread public health challenges,” said Dr. Vidhi Bhanushali, CEO and Co-founder, scanO. “Stains, tooth decay and attrition may seem like surface-level concerns, but they expose systemic gaps that stretch far beyond oral health, affecting productivity and overall quality of life. The road ahead demands a fundamental shift in how we approach healthcare—by breaking barriers of accessibility, resistance, and awareness. At scanO, we are unlocking a culture of prevention by leveraging AI diagnostics to bring care directly to people’s fingertips, whether through a mobile app or kiosks at their local dental clinics or in underserved regions. Prevention is the foundation step on which India’s smiles will thrive.”

Dr. Bhaskar Bhuvan, Consultant-Medical oncology, HCG Cancer Center – Vizag

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for over 1.7 million fatalities annually. In India, lung cancer is a significant public health concern ranking second among male cancers, with a substantial number of cases occurring among middle aged and older adults. The reported death rate due to lung cancer in India was 75,031 patients in year 2022 according to Globocon 2022.

The Age-Related Risks of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer predominantly affects older adults, with the risk of developing this disease increasing significantly with age. This upward trend in lung cancer risk is particularly pronounced after the age of 60, with most lung cancer cases being diagnosed among people aged 65 years and above. According to the American Cancer Society, the average age at diagnosis for lung cancer is around 70 years old.  But, in India, the average age of lung cancer diagnosis is 59 years which is a decade earlier than western countries. This age-related risk is attributed to the cumulative effect of exposure to carcinogens (cancer causing agents) over time, as well as the natural decline in immune function and cellular repair mechanisms that occurs with aging. As a result, older adults are more susceptible to the damaging effects of carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution and radiation exposure which can increase the risk of lung cancer. Furthermore, older adults may also be more likely to have underlying health conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that can increase the risk of lung cancer.

Why Age is a Significant Risk Factor for Lung Cancer

Age is a significant risk factor for lung cancer due to several reasons. As we age, our cells accumulate genetic mutations that can increase the risk of cancer. Our immune system also weakens with age, making it more challenging for our body to fight off cancer cells. Furthermore, older adults may have been exposed to carcinogens, such as tobacco smoke and air pollution, for a longer period

The Importance of Early Screening

Early screening is crucial in detecting lung cancer at an early stage, when it is more treatable. Screening tests for lung cancer include Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) and Chest X-Ray. These non-invasive tests use low-dose radiation to produce detailed images of the lungs.

Whom to get lung cancer screening

Age above 50 years up to 80 years.

Smoking history of one packet of cigarettes per day over and above 20 years

Who does not quit smoking in the last 15 years

Reducing the Risk of Lung Cancer

While age is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk. Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of lung cancer. Avoiding exposure to carcinogens, such as air pollution and asbestos, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can also help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Lung cancer is a significant public health concern in India, with most cases occurring among middle aged and older adults. While age is a significant risk factor for lung cancer, early screening and reducing the risk factors can help detect and treat this disease. By prioritizing our health and taking proactive steps, we can reduce our risk of lung cancer and improve our overall health and wellbeing.

January 24, 2025 – The International Day of Education, celebrated on January 24th every year, highlights the crucial role that education plays in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and peaceful world. Established by the United Nations in 2018, this day serves as a reminder of the importance of education in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4, which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030.

Education is often referred to as the key to unlocking human potential, and for good reason. It empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle complex global challenges, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Moreover, education fosters understanding and tolerance, helping to build bridges between diverse communities and cultures. It is essential for both personal and societal development, opening doors to economic opportunities and enhancing social mobility.

In many parts of the world, however, access to quality education remains a challenge. Millions of children, particularly in rural and marginalized communities, are still out of school due to factors such as poverty, gender discrimination, and conflict. On this International Day of Education, it is important to recognize these barriers and work towards ensuring that education is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The theme of the 2025 International Day of Education, “Education for Global Citizenship: Fostering Understanding and Peace,” invites us to reflect on the transformative power of education in shaping a better future for all. By investing in education, we invest in a brighter, more equitable world where every individual can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.

“Today, on International Education Day, I’m filled with hope and excitement for India’s future. With over 65% of our population under 35, we have a golden opportunity to shape a brighter future for tomorrow. At Aptech, we’ve spent 38 years empowering youth with quality education and skills training. But our vision goes beyond education – we’re committed to creating a future-ready skilled workforce that drives India’s growth. To achieve this, we must tackle challenges like curriculum alignment, social disparities, and traditional expectations that deprioritizes skills. I believe that by harnessing technology, collaborating with industry experts, and embracing global standards, we can unlock India’s true potential for a skills-first future. Let’s join forces to create a nation where every young skilled professional can thrive, grow, and contribute to our country’s prosperity.” – Mr. Atul Jain, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Aptech Limited

Bengaluru, 23rd January 2025: Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited, in partnership with the Government of Gujarat and the Department of Science and Technology, successfully hosted the second roadshow for the Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27 in Bengaluru. Organized in association with CII, the event received a phenomenal response, attracting over 200 leading IT and ITes companies from across India. It showcased Gujarat’s transformative initiatives and policies while introducing Ganesh Housing’s flagship project, Million Minds Tech City, to Bengaluru’s tech network.

The event was graced by distinguished speakers including Ms Mona Khandhar, IAS Principal Secretary Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat and Shri Tushar Y. Bhatt, IAS Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd along with prominent industry leaders, policymakers, and senior officials from the Government of Gujarat. The engaging sessions provided insights on the various incentives offered under the Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27, positioning the state as an emerging technology hub.

The highlight of the roadshow was the unveiling of Million Minds Tech City, an ambitious project by Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited that promises to revolutionize the technology landscape of Gujarat.

Commenting on the event, Mr. Anmol Patel, Director of Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re truly inspired by the overwhelming response we received in Bengaluru, building on the momentum we created in Chennai. It only reinforces our belief in Gujarat’s immense potential to lead the IT/ITeS sector. With the support of the government and the Gujarat IT/ITES Policy, our vision for Million Minds Tech City is not just about developing another township, but creating a thriving ecosystem. A place where innovation, luxury, and community converge—home to six state-of-the-art tech parks, high-end residences, co-living spaces, a premium hotel, and expansive shopping malls. It’s a reflection of our commitment to shaping the future of Gujarat and the nation.”

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to this roadshow in Bengaluru,” said Mr. Viren Mehta, President, Sales & Marketing. “The event has been a remarkable platform, uniting key dignitaries from Gujarat and Karnataka to spotlight the strategic initiatives that make Gujarat a top choice for IT investments. The strong interest and engagement from Bengaluru’s vibrant tech community reaffirm our confidence in the immense opportunities for growth and collaboration, particularly with Grade-A commercial real estate developers who are shaping the future of this sector.”

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mona Khandhar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat, said, “The Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27 reflects our vision of creating a dynamic and future-ready ecosystem that seamlessly integrates high-end manufacturing, R&D, and digital transformation. With pioneering initiatives such as the semiconductor hub in Dholera, global collaborations, and a strong emphasis on skilling and research, we are empowering industries and start-ups to thrive in a competitive global landscape. Projects like the visionary Million Minds Tech City in Ahmedabad further reinforce Gujarat’s position as a preferred destination for technology and innovation, offering world-class infrastructure that aligns with our growth ambitions. Through this holistic approach, Gujarat is not just driving growth but playing a pivotal role in India’s journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047.”

“The Gujarat IT/ITES Policy 2022-27 is a testament to our vision of establishing Gujarat as a global hub for technology and innovation,” said Shri Tushar Y. Bhatt, IAS, Managing Director, Gujarat Informatics Ltd. “With unparalleled incentives such as CAPEX-OPEX support and specialized assistance for IT parks, startups, and deep tech accelerators, the policy is designed to attract significant global investments and build a highly skilled workforce. By embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI, Blockchain, and Quantum Computing, we are laying the foundation for an ecosystem that thrives on excellence and opportunity. This policy underscores Gujarat’s unwavering commitment to fostering sustainable growth, creating thousands of jobs, and setting new benchmarks in India’s technological evolution.”

The roadshow highlighted Ahmedabad’s growing prominence as a leading IT hub, driven by the dynamic intersection of real estate and technology. As per latest reports, Ahmedabad offers significantly lower operating costs compared to cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with real estate prices up to 50% more affordable. This affordability, along with the city’s expanding pool of skilled tech talent and world-class infrastructure developments such as the Ahmedabad Metro, continues to position Ahmedabad as a prime destination for IT investments and innovation.

Mumbai, 23 January 2025 – Krystal Integrated Services Limited (KISL), India’s fastest growing and leading provider of integrated facility management, staffing, and technical solutions, proudly announces a series of significant achievements that underscore its commitment to operational excellence and innovation across India’s critical infrastructure sectors.

Krystal has recently bagged a prestigious contract from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to provide comprehensive housekeeping and mechanized housekeeping services at Aurangabad Airport. This collaboration will focus on ensuring seamless airport operations, covering a wide range of facility management services including security, safety, building maintenance, and engineering support. The company will deploy a skilled workforce equipped with advanced cleaning equipment and hygiene solutions to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.

In addition, Krystal has been entrusted with the provision of landside security services at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL). This critical contract highlights Krystal’s expanding footprint in the aviation sector and reinforces its reputation as a trusted partner in enhancing safety compliance at one of India’s busiest airports.

Further solidifying its leadership, Krystal has also secured an extension of its Station Attendant and Shift Supervisor (SA-SSP) contract with Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Limited (MMMOCL). Effective February 19, 2025, this extension will ensure uninterrupted operations and passenger services at 30 metro stations on Metro Line 7 and Line 2A, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. The continued collaboration reflects MMMOCL’s confidence in Krystal’s ability to deliver reliable and efficient services.

Commenting on the milestone, Sanjay Dighe, CEO of Krystal Integrated Services Limited, expressed his pride in these milestones: “These achievements reaffirm our dedication to delivering world-class facility management solutions. From airports to metro stations, Krystal remains committed to enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction across India’s key infrastructure sectors.”

“Indian Railways will play a transformative role in spearheading development and making India a $5 trillion economy” said Dr. K Laxman, Hon’ble Member of Parliament & Member-Parliamentary Standing Committee on Railways, at the 11th PHDCCI Global Rail Convention held today at PHD House. The Theme of the convention was “Indian Railways – Journey towards Viksit Bharat through Innovation, Infrastructure, Investment & Industry Partnership”.

Stating the achievements of India Railways Dr Laxman mentioned that Indian Railways has achieved 94% electrification. He also highlighted ambitious projects like Mumbai Bullet Trains, 4,000 Vande Bharat trains by 2047, and the allocation of ₹10-12 lakh crore for railway infrastructure in the next five years.

The present government is allocating sizeable budgets for the Railways which has led to the immense growth of Indian Railways, from technology advancement to sustainability and indigenisation, the Indian Railways has progressed commendably.

In the last budget, almost ₹9,000 crore was allocated to Andhra Pradesh and ₹5,000 crore to Telangana. Many railway stations are being developed on par with international airport standards in Hyderabad. For example, in Secunderabad, a railway station is being built with an investment of over ₹750 crore. He also appreciated the work done on Tirupati Railway Station.

The AI-driven smart railway system and the Kavach system to prevent collisions are being implemented, with almost 44,000 km of tracks being laid. All of this will significantly contribute to the PM’s vision of Viksit Bharat. At this pace, almost 3,000 million tons of cargo can be transported by 2040, and Indian Railways will become a global leader in the railway sector.

Mr Arunendra Kumar, Chair – PHDCCI Railways Committee & Former CRB stated, that Viksit Bharat is a mission in which railways have a defined role. Indian Railways has opened up significantly in the last 10 years and with technology innovation, the new design of Vande Bharat trains, Kashmir connectivity, and hydrogen fuel trains are a recent example of this.

He added, PHDCCI has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the railway sector and is part of the ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ initiative. He emphasized the need for finding ways to ensure passengers get confirmation, increase passenger capacity by 30%, and make railway stations hubs of multimodal connectivity. He added, Railway technology should be world-class, with a strong emphasis on research. For the first time, we do not hear that the government has no funds to invest in railway infrastructure.

Mr Sajal Gupta, Co-Chair, PHDCCI Railways Committee & President Monnet Group highlighted, that the theme of the event is not just a vision but a roadmap to redefining India’s transportation landscape. With a 68,000 km network, Indian Railways moves 1.6 billion tons of trade annually. Modernization of railways is at the heart of this transformation journey and the production of 400 Vande Bharat trains will revolutionize it further. Alongside this, the railway plans to convert 4,000 coaches to Vande Bharat.

He also mentioned the 1,000 km expansion plan over the next two decades and discussed that the deployment of the updated Kavach 4.0 system will significantly reduce accidents caused by human error. He concluded, cybersecurity implementation is another critical area requiring attention. It requires collective effort together, we can ensure that Indian Railways becomes a cornerstone of Viksit Bharat.

Dr. Jaideep Gupta , Addl. Member (RE)Railway Board, Ministry of Railways mentioned that the first electric train ran on February 3, 1995. We are now almost 90% electrified, and in the next 2-3 months, we will achieve 100% electrification. With this, India will become the first country, apart from Switzerland (which is much smaller), to achieve this. He added, by 2030, energy requirements will increase to around 30,000 gigawatts and to achieve the Hon’ble PM’s net-zero carbon emitter goal by 2030, we will require clean power.

However, solar energy is limited to daytime usage, so RTC (Round-The-Clock) storage capacity is crucial. If SMR technology becomes commercially available, it will be a game-changer.

Vijay Pratap Singh, Addl. Member (traction )Railway Board, Ministry of Railways informed that the railways have also drawn a vision for 2047 and have already enhanced infrastructure capex for modernizing railways. He informed, more than ₹2.5 lakh crore is being invested annually to improve capacity and double freight carrying capacity by 2030. Particularly in electrification, we have increased the pace in the last few years. We are now planning to introduce 1,500 locomotives, and we have stopped the production of diesel locomotives, moving towards the greener railways.

We are committed to sustainable development, and significant work is already underway. Our diesel freight costs have reduced from ₹30,000 crore annually to ₹12,000-13,000 crore this year. The transition and benefits of electrification are evident, if the current traffic were handled by diesel, it would cost an additional ₹5,000 crore monthly, added Mr. singh

Mr. Sameer Dikshit, Addl. Member (Telecom), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways appreciated PHDCCI for bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders for the holistic growth of the sector. He informed that Indian Railways, being the lifeline of the nation, has been a unified force and a catalyst for social inclusion. We are at a critical juncture, witnessing a paradigm shift driven by innovation and industry partnerships. Indian Railways has now built a robust ecosystem for innovation.

The adoption of AI and IoT is being implemented on a large scale. The Kavach system is a testament to India’s capability for innovation, and smart mobility solutions are also being adopted, added Mr. Dixit.

Mr. Mukul Saran Mathur, Addl. Member (Comml.), Railway Board, Ministry of Railways discussed how Indian Railways is a flagbearer of innovation and economic development, and the government is using it effectively. Indian Railways has always been an enabler of innovation—be it creating ICF in the 1950s or Concor in the 1980s. It was ahead of its time and pushed the economy forward. In the vision of PM’s Viksit Bharat, I want to highlight that we have always been significant contributors. Enhancing capacity, network size, safety, and passenger connectivity, and taking up big-ticket projects, are some areas where more can be done. We are focusing on regional connectivity projects like Kashmir, the Northeast region, Char Dham. The Namo project is also coming up, and the government is vigorously pushing for passenger convenience. Digitization in freight and passenger services has transformed operations. For example, e-tickets now account for 88% of ticketing. Refund processing has also been reformed—from an average of 40-45 days earlier to 24 hours in 90% of cases and within 6 hours for e-tickets.

Mumbai, Thursday, 24 January 2025:  IndiGrid [BSE: 540565 | NSE: INDIGRID], India’s first and largest listed power sector infrastructure investment trust (InvIT), today announced its results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. On a year-on-year basis, the consolidated revenue for the quarter was up 2.4% to ₹ 7,722 million and the consolidated EBITDA was up 2.0% to ₹ 6,944 million. The Net Distributable Cash Flow (NDCF) saw a year-on-year growth of 6.8% and was ₹ 3,331 million for the quarter.

The Board of the Investment Manager approved a Distribution Per Unit (DPU) of ₹ 3.75 for Q3 FY25. The record date for the distribution is January 28, 2025, and shall be paid as ₹ 2.7533 per unit in form of interest, ₹ 0.1284 per unit as dividend, ₹ 0.8188 as capital repayment, and ₹ 0.0495 per unit as other income, all in accordance with section 115UA of the Income Tax Act.

Consequent to the earlier announcement, IndiGrid signed definitive agreements with BII and Norfund for establishing EnerGrid. EnerGrid will receive an aggregate investment of USD 300 million which will be contributed equally by the three partners. EnerGrid is expected to start bidding for greenfield transmission and Battery Energy Storage projects by the end of the ongoing fiscal.

During Q3 FY25, IndiGrid signed the Battery Energy Storage Purchase Agreement (BESPA) for the BESS project won earlier this year. With an estimated capital expenditure ~INR 7,500 million, the project will be built over the next 18 months.

IndiGrid also commissioned two ongoing augmentation projects under its PTCL and Kallam assets. These projects were awarded under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) scheme and were constructed on a cost-plus basis.

Commenting on the quarter, Harsh Shah, Chief Executive Officer, and Whole Time Director of IndiGrid, said, “We delivered yet another quarter of consistent performance providing predictable yield for our unitholders in-line with our guidance. During the quarter, we signed the BESPA for our Rajasthan BESS project and commissioned two RTM augmentation projects. Further, we finalized all details of our partnership with BII and Norfund and signed definitive agreements to set up EnerGrid. As the platform gears to start its bidding journey, we foresee it playing a pivotal role in driving growth for IndiGrid.”

 Financial Highlights – Consolidated Results (in ₹ million):

₹ Mn	Q3 FY25	Q3 FY24	% change
Revenue	7,722	7,542	2.4%
EBITDA	6,944	6,807	2.0%
DPU (₹ per unit)	3.75	3.55	5.6%

Hyderabad, January 23, 2025: G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science (GNITS), accredited by NBA and NAAC, hosted Nexora 2025, its prestigious National-Level Technical Fest. Organized by the esteemed student Professional Societies like ISTE, CSI, IEEE, I&I, ACM, IE, IETE, and R&D, today at GNITS. The first day of the event showcased remarkable innovation and technical brilliance.

The day featured exciting activities such as Paper Presentations, Poster Presentations, and the highly anticipated Aarani 1.0 Hackathon. The Project Expo provided an opportunity for students to display their projects, demonstrating cutting-edge ideas and technological solutions. Captivating shows like the Drone Show, Robotics Show, and Electric Vehicle Show amazed the audience, highlighting advancements in technology and innovation.

In addition to these major events, the festival also hosted 26 parallel technical and non-technical activities, including competitions such as Tech Race, Tech Trivia, and Tech Tanka, designed to bring out the best in students and promote creativity and problem-solving skills.

Over the next two days of the Nexora 2025, GNITS students will present Alankriti, a vibrant literary, cultural, and sports festival featuring enthralling performances, debates, and exciting competitions. The grand finale day after tomorrow will feature the Annual Day Celebrations, and will include cultural programs, award ceremonies, and reflections on the year’s achievements.

Mumbai, January 24, 2025: Build Capital, an innovative early-stage real estate fund, has completed its maiden investment in the Navi Mumbai market. This investment in Satyam Group’s project is part of Build’s strategy to become a preferred partner in early – stage real estate financing in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

Build Capital has further announced that it plans to invest close to Rs 150 crore in the Navi Mumbai market out of its total target investments of Rs. 400 crore for the year 2025. Mr. Kuldeep Jain, CEO and Co-Founder, Build Capital said, “We are plugging the existing gaps of early-stage financing in the real estate industry with our inventive approach. As a strategy, we are focusing on investments in the MMR and Navi Mumbai is a focus micro-market for us considering the surge in real estate development in the area”.

Build Capital is further eyeing at a total early-stage financing book of over Rs 400 crore through 15-20 transactions targeted across MMR in the year 2025. Since inception in April 2024, the fund has clocked transactions worth Rs 100 crore. So far Build has invested in SRA projects, Society redevelopment projects and with this transaction it has entered the CIDCO plot development market segment as well.

Mr. Rahul Nahata, Co-Founder of Build Capital said, “This new investment in Satyam Group has enabled us to create a formidable offering within the MMR real estate financing space. We hope to double our team size this year thereby allowing us to quickly assess and mobilize capital for RE developers of the MMR zone. Based on our in-house expertise we are able to quickly assess project opportunities and deploy capital, sometimes as early as 15-20 days.”

The real estate financing industry is projected to achieve a market size of US$ 1 trillion by 2030, rising from US$ 200 billion in 2021 and contributing 13% to the country’s GDP by 2025. An early-stage financing occupies a significant chunk, which is largely overlooked by conventional modes of financing over to the nature and duration of investments required therein.

Meerut, January 23: In a step towards enhancing employability and skilling for thousands, particularly from rural areas, the National Skill Development Corporation and Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskrit College (NAS) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for setting up a skill development centre at the college. The aim of the partnership is to train students in industry-relevant skills, capacity building to thrive in a competitive job market, and make them future-ready in new emerging trades.

“The partnership with Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskrit College is a big step in closing the divide between learning and finding a job in both rural and urban areas of Meerut. The MoU will give students the chance to learn useful, job-related skills from sectors like BFSI and Tourism & Hospitality that will boost their chances of getting a good job. At NSDC we are dedicated to making paths for skill growth all over India, and this teamwork will be a guide for others to follow. We are eager to team up to help students of Meerut and further gain the tools they need to do well in work,” NSDC representative said during the inking of the agreement.

“The students will get an opportunity to equip themselves with industry-related skills in sync with the new job market in the high-end skill lab at the center. The partnership in all likelihood will be a game changer, as we are targeting youths for increasing their professional skill set and adding to the country’s high-tech workforce,” NSDC representative said, adding that both the NSDC and Nanak Chand Anglo Sanskrit College have high hopes from the center, with it being a catalyst of social change in the Meerut region.

The MoU entails NAS College providing suitable space and essential physical infrastructure for the establishment of the training sectors, while NSDC will ensure the designing and implementation of the program, and industry-recognized certifications on the completion of the course.

Commenting on the setting up of the skill development centre Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, Member of Rajya Sabha said: “The initiative in the form of this state-of-the-art center at the historic NAS college will go a long way in empowering youths of the region and checking unemployment through skilling. It would be very beneficial for youths, particularly from small towns and villages around Meerut, to come and take admission, learn life-changing skills in new technology, and help our great nation become the skill capital of the world.”

“Skilling is a powerful tool for women empowerment, encouraging them to break stereotypes. I would urge girls from colleges in the region to take advantage of this opportunity and enrol themselves at the center and equip themselves with skills that will help them get employment and jobs in BFSI and tourism sectors,” said Dr. Vijay Kumar Singh, District Magistrate, Meerut, who also assured all out support of the district administration to the NAS college and the skill center for fostering an environment where skills lead to employment.

Awareness campaigns would be launched in the region for spearheading about skilling programmes. Information sessions and workshops at the center will benefit students and faculty in understanding the importance of skill development and the opportunities it creates. The presence of industry professionals and successful alumni as speakers would further underline the impact these programs can have.

The tie-up, among others, also highlights the importance of skilling the local communities for contributing to the skilling ecosystem and ensuring regional development. The Ministry of Skill Development and NSDC have been focusing on improving employability in the region by a slew of such initiatives, including Kaushal Mohotsavs, or job fairs or job readiness programs.

Last year, a month-long Kaushal Mahotsav was organized at Bijnor, nearly 70 km from here. During the month-long job readiness program, more than 13,500 youth from Bijnor district registered on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH). Out of these, 3500 candidates were selected and offered jobs after five days of rigorous training and career counselling.

The MoU signing meet was also graced by esteemed presence of Shri (Prof.) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, Principal, NAS College, and Shri Mayank Bhatnagar, National Head, State Engagement, NSDC, and Shri Amit Kumar Sharma, Secretary, NAS, College Management Committee.