Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd to conduct two Pilot Projects under the Drone Didi Yojana. Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Atul Kumar Tiwari; Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group Dr. Anish Shah and senior officials of the MSDE were present at the event.
Launched earlier this year, the scheme aims to train 15,000 women to operate drones for agricultural purposes such as fertilising the crop, monitoring crop growth and planting seeds, thereby creating new livelihood opportunities for women through imparting skills in new technology areas.
While speaking at the event, Shri Tiwari explained how the agricultural expertise of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. will be leveraged through comprehensive training. He also informed that two centres of NSTI, situated at Hyderabad and Noida, have been chosen for the Pilot Projects, to empower rural women in agriculture. This collaboration advances the mission of upskilling women for nation-building, particularly thr
ough the successful implementation of the Drone Didi program in empowering women in emerging trades, Shri Tiwari added. He also said this collaboration will advance the vision of the Ministry to equip women with the skills needed to contribute to nation-building.
Aligned with our Rise philosophy, we aim to empower women through the Drone Didi Yojana, pioneering tech training for agriculture's future.
— Mahindra Group (@MahindraRise) May 10, 2024
Read more: https://t.co/6fw26xSSo4#FarmTech #SheIsOnTheRise #FarmProsperity @MSDESkillIndia pic.twitter.com/zRaMGSQnlX
Shri Tiwari also mentioned that building on the past successful collaborations with leading technology industry partners, this initiative represents the beginning of many collaborative projects with M&M. He said, through rigorous training methodologies and hands-on learning experiences, the students will be equipped with the practical skills and competencies required to excel in their chosen fields and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s socio-economic growth.
Dr Anish Shah said that aligned with the company’s Rise philosophy, it is committed to empowering women with the skills necessary to join the workforce and achieve financial independence. The Pilot Projects under the Drone Didi Yojana represents a first-of-its-kind convergence of women, farming and technology, he said.
Under this partnership, MSDE and M&M will conduct two Pilot Projects at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), situated in Hyderabad and Noida, to skill 500 women in exclusive batches of 20 women each. The 15-day curriculum, approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), will be delivered through Remote Pilot Training Organisation (RPTO) instructors at these Centres.
Within this partnership, NSTIs will provide infrastructure for running the training programme, hostel facility for participants, and reach out to local Women Self Help Groups and NGOs to mobilise participation. Mahindra Group will provide initial set-up support through simulation machinery/drones, simulator controller, simulator software, desktop computer with i5 processor and trainers, and meet the operating costs for the duration of the Pilot Projects, including the cost of DGCA License Holder Instructors at the centres.
The learning and outcomes from the Pilot Projects will assist MSDE in scaling up the Drone Didi Yojana at identified NSTIs/ITIs across the country. As a further support to the intent of the Drone Didi Yojana, M&M will soon roll out Drone training for women at the company’s skilling centres at Zaheerabad, Telangana, and Nagpur, Maharashtra.
Dr. H.S. Bisht and Dr. Aarti Inspire Students on Technology and Jigyasa Activities at CSIR-IIP
On the occasion, Dr. H.S. Bisht, Director of CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP), motivated students by highlighting the importance of technology and its profound benefits to society. His address aimed to inspire the young minds to embrace technological advancements and understand their potential in transforming the world.
Dr. Aarti, Senior Principal Scientist and Co-ordinator of Jigyasa activities at CSIR-IIP, provided an insightful presentation on the various Jigyasa Activities undertaken by the institute. She emphasized how these initiatives are specifically designed to benefit school-going children by fostering a scientific temper and curiosity. Dr. Aarti’s overview showcased the impact of Jigyasa in making science education more engaging and accessible for students.
The Jigyasa program, a collaboration between CSIR and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, focuses on connecting students with scientists to ignite their passion for science and innovation. Through interactive sessions, hands-on experiments, and educational tours, CSIR-IIP aims to cultivate a new generation of scientists and technologists.
This event highlighted the institute’s commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting scientific literacy among students. Dr. Bisht and Dr. Aarti’s efforts are instrumental in bridging the gap between scientific research and education, ensuring that students are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to contribute positively to society.
For more details on the Jigyasa activities and upcoming events, visit the CSIR-IIP official website. Stay informed and get involved in fostering a scientifically aware and technologically adept future generation.
