Lok Sabha Question No. 3766 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-16
Subject: Digital Skill Training Centres in Rural Areas
Ministry: SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Asked by: Shri Balya Mama Suresh Gopinath Mhatre

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.  3766

ANSWERED ON 16.03.2026

## DIGITAL SKILL TRAINING CENTRES IN RURAL AREAS

† 3766. SHRI BALYA MAMA SURESH GOPINATH MHATRE:

Will the Minister of SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the number of Digital Skill Training Centres in rural areas is adequate and if so, the details thereof, State/UT and district-wise;
- (b) if  not,  the  details  of  the  plans  to  enhance  digital  infrastructure  in  the  said  areas, State/UT/district-wise;
- (c) whether  the  Government  proposes  any  special  programmes  for  training  in  emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Cybersecurity; and
- d) if so, the details thereof, State/UT/district-wise and if not, the reasons therefor.

## ANSWER

THE  MINISTER  OF  STATE  (INDEPENDENT  CHARGE)  IN  THE  MINISTRY  OF  SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

(SHRI JAYANT CHAUDHARY)

(a)  to  (d):      Digital  skill  training  is  normally  integrated  into  domain  skill  training.    Under  the Government  of  India's  Skill  India  Mission  (SIM),  the  Ministry  of  Skill  Development  and Entrepreneurship  (MSDE)  delivers  skill,  re-skill  and  up-skill  training  through  an  extensive network  of  skill  development  centres  /  institutes  etc.  under  various  schemes,  viz.  Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS), National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Craftsman Training Scheme (CTS) through Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), to all the sections of the society across the country including rural areas. The SIM  aims  at  enabling  youth  of  India  to  get  future  ready  and  equipped  with  industry  relevant skills. District wise training centre data is available at https://www.msde.gov.in/documents?page=1

Some of the initiatives to enhance the digital infrastructure for skill training and for training in emerging technologies  such  as Artificial  Intelligence  (AI),  Robotics  and  Cybersecurity  include the following:

- i. PMKVY  3.0  and  4.0  have  introduced  specialised  short-  term  and  advanced  modules focused on AI, Robotics, drone and new-age technologies. With the aim to meet industry demand, drive digital transformation, and build workforce readiness for Industry 4.0 and the futuristic skills.
- ii. Under  CTS,  training  in  31  new-age  courses  such  as  Artificial  Intelligence,  Industrial Robotics, AI, and Drone, etc., for skilling and upskilling of youth of the country is conducted through  a  network  of  Industrial  Training  Institutes  (ITIs)  and  National  Skill  Training Institutes (NSTIs).
- iii. Directorate General of Training (DGT) has collaborated with entities including IBM India, Microsoft, Cisco, Adobe India, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Future Right Skills Network (FRSN), Edunet Foundation, Auto Desk etc, for skilling initiatives under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).  These partnerships facilitate the provision of technical and professional skill training in modern technologies.
- iv. Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)- a digital public infrastructure provides a comprehensive and accessible  platform  for  skill  enhancement,  offering  industry-relevant  skill  courses,  job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support- enhances the accessibility to skill training to the youth including the ones from rural and underserved areas.
- v. National Council for Vocational Education & Training (NCVET) has developed the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI) Skilling Framework, which outlines the national roadmap, structure and guidelines for skilling in AI, data science and emerging technologies serves as the foundational document for developing standardised, industryaligned courses and curricula.
- vi. MSDE has launched a national-level initiative, SOAR (Skilling for AI Readiness) initiative, aimed  at  embedding  AI  awareness  and  foundational  skills  among  school  students (Classes 6 -12) and building AI literacy among educators. The programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by ensuring equitable access to AI education across geographies, thereby supporting the national agenda of inclusive, future-ready skilling.

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