Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways and Electronics & IT, inaugurated a Skill India Centre (SIC) in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, joined by Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Education.
Union Minister for Railways and Electronics & IT Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted the need for skilling programmes to align closely with industry demand, emphasising that a technologically empowered workforce is critical to sustaining India’s expanding digital and electronics ecosystem.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Skill India Centre (SIC) at Chaudhary Kehar Singh Divya Public School in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, on Monday, Vaishnaw said, “When quality skilling reaches rural districts, it unlocks aspirations, expands local opportunities, and accelerates social transformation. With more learners now adopting AI-enabled tools and training, the local workforce is becoming future-ready for emerging and relevant job roles.”
Vaishnaw launched the centre alongside Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education.
Highlighting the transformative role of skills in national development, Chaudhary said the inauguration reflects the government’s commitment to taking opportunities to the doorstep of every youth, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
“Skilling is not just about employment; it is about dignity, mobility, and confidence. With centres like this, we are creating pathways for local talent to thrive in emerging sectors and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story,” he added.
The centre has been established by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) in collaboration with Redington Foundation to impart inclusive skill development by equipping youth with future-ready capabilities. The initiative marks a pivotal expansion of last-mile skilling access for rural youth and women in Uttar Pradesh. NSDC and Redington Foundation aim to train around 600 candidates, primarily underprivileged youth and women from Baraut and Chhaprauli blocks in Baghpat district.
The Baraut centre will serve as the main hub, supported by a spoke centre in Chhaprauli to broaden access. Courses are designed around the fast-growing electronics and IT-ITeS sectors.
New Intercity Services
In addition to the skilling launch, Vaishnaw and Chaudhary flagged off two new mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) train services between Delhi and Shamli (Delhi Junction-Shamli-Delhi Junction and Delhi Shahdara-Shamli-Delhi Shahdara) at Baraut railway station.
“With the commencement of two new MEMU services between Delhi and Shamli, daily passengers, students, farmers, and professionals in the region will benefit from improved mobility,” Vaishnaw said.
He noted that the new services fulfil a long-pending demand of the Shamli-Baghpat region, easing travel for thousands of commuters.
Since 2014, Uttar Pradesh has seen the construction of 5,272 km of new tracks, equivalent to the entire rail network of Switzerland, and has achieved 100 per cent electrification of its railway lines. Vaishnaw further informed that Shamli station is being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of ₹250 million.