Parliament Question: Digital Skill Training Centres in Rural Areas

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, industry- aligned 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. *****