On the occasion of Sarojini Naidu’s birth anniversary which is also recognized as National Women’s Day, Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI) for Women at Anandnagar in the outskirt of Agartala. He also inaugurated a girl’s hostel in Vadodara, Gujarat. The NSTI-W is viewed as a significant stride towards empowering Nari Shakti, creating a conducive environment for female trainees pursuing skill development, marking a new era in skill development initiatives.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Pratima Bhoumik, Santana Chakma, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt, Member of Parliament, Vadodara, Ram Prasad Paul, Deputy Speaker, and Pinkyben Nirajbhai Soni, Vadodara Municipal Corporation.
In his virtual address, Pradha said, “Glad to inaugurate the National Skill Training Institute Agartala and Girl’s Hostel at NSTI Vadodara on the occasion of National Women’s Day. The initiatives launched today will stand as true symbols of women empowerment in two important centres of eastern and western India. They will work towards illuminating the path of the women in the region equipping them with skills, and attitude and help in the advancement of women led development envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
With a total investment of Rs. 17 crore, the institute’s permanent campus of National Skill Training Institute (Women) at Anand Nagar, Agartala now stands as a symbol of progress and commitment. NSTI (W) operationalized in Gurkhabastiin 2015 under MSDE focuses on providing vocational training to female trainees from Tripura and the Northeast region. With an emphasis on trades with high employability, the institute offers need-based training for wage and self-employment. The recently inaugurated permanent campus is built over 4.12 acres of land. The campus includes academic and administrative blocks, along with a hostel accommodating 32 girls.
Under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), NSTI (W) Agartala offers courses in Cosmetology, Dress Making, and Secretarial Practice (English). The introduction of new trades under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) from the 2023-24 session, including Catering and Hospitality, Computer Software Application, and Office Management, reflects the institute’s commitment to evolving industry needs. With 102 trainees currently enrolled and plans to admit 200 more in the upcoming session, NSTI (W) Agartala aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.
