New Delhi [India], January 17: Union Minister Jayant Singh Chaudhary launched solar-powered mobile training units in the national capital on Friday, aimed at promoting financial and digital literacy in rural communities across India.
This pioneering initiative is a partnership between the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Learning Links Foundation, Dell Technologies, and local stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch, Chaudhary said, “We are excited to flag off two solar-powered mobile vans, equipped with the latest technology, that will travel to rural areas across various states and districts in India. This program, which has been running for the last four years, is now expanding, with 7 additional districts being included this year.”
The objective of the initiative is to bring advanced skills in financial literacy, digital literacy, and emerging technologies to rural communities, directly at their doorsteps. “People are eager to upgrade their skills, and I applaud the efforts of Dell, Learning Links Foundation, and NSDC in making this possible,” he added.
The Solar Community Hubs are mobile training units powered by solar energy, designed to provide comprehensive skilling opportunities to underserved populations. The launch marks the beginning of a nationwide deployment, with seven vans set to operate in districts across Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.
The program, which aims to reach 5.8 million beneficiaries in FY25, will provide training to community youth, students, women, and veterans. The solar-powered hubs are equipped with modern technology, including laptops, portable furniture, GPS systems, MiFi routers, panic buttons, and Bluetooth-enabled speakers. Training will cover areas like digital and financial literacy, technical skills, cybersecurity, and an introduction to Generative AI.
This initiative aligns with the objectives of the Skill India Mission, exemplifying a commitment to fostering digital inclusion and driving sustainable development through innovation and collaboration.
The event was also attended by Atul Kumar Tiwari, Secretary of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO of NSDC and MD of NSDC International.