Inaugurates AI & Future Skills Centre at NTTC Dimapur
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 15 (MExN): Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday inaugurated the AI & Future Skills Centre of Excellence at the Nagaland Tool Room & Training Centre (NTTC) here and said corporate social responsibility (CSR) interventions in the state have grown stronger and more purposeful in recent years.
Addressing the gathering, Sitharaman recalled that around 2019–20 there was a persistent concern that CSR funding was not reaching Nagaland, a matter also raised by the Chief Minister. This, she said, prompted the Centre to organise the 2022 CSR Conclave in the state.
“The conclave became a turning point. Many companies, even those without a manufacturing unit or service centre in Nagaland, were persuaded to participate and consider the state for meaningful CSR work,” she said.
Sitharaman said CSR inflow into Nagaland has since increased and become “more purpose-driven and tailored to local needs”. She cited ongoing CSR-supported programmes at NIELIT Kohima and NTTC Dimapur as examples of this shift.
At NIELIT Kohima, the Tata Group is training youth in semiconductor-related technologies, with experts serving as master trainers. In Dimapur, she said she recently requested Dr BVR Mohan Reddy to extend to Nagaland the same high-quality skilling programmes his foundation runs in other cities. “He readily agreed, demonstrating that distance from corporate hubs is no barrier when the intention is right,” she added.
The Minister said she was satisfied that training centres in Nagaland are now offering courses in AI-linked production methods, 3D printing, advanced coding, modernised handloom applications and other emerging technologies that are reshaping global manufacturing.
She praised the enthusiasm of trainees, including those from far-flung districts like Mon, and commended the State Government for facilitating long-term CSR initiatives. The creativity of Naga youth, seen in textiles, woodwork and craftsmanship, would grow further when combined with exposure to modern tools, she said.
Expressing confidence that these opportunities would help young people secure better livelihoods and contribute to a technologically advanced and self-reliant Bharat, Sitharaman extended her best wishes to the trainees.
Deputy Managing Director of SIDBI Sudatta Mandal said the new centre, established with technical support from SCINT, will offer specialised training in Handloom & Handicraft and Software Coding & Robotics, with an annual intake of 100–150 youth in each trade. He emphasised the importance of AI-supported training for artisans and noted SIDBI’s support to industry associations under its Development of Industry Associations (DIA) programme.
Cyient Founder Chairman and IIT Hyderabad Board Chairman BVR Mohan Reddy highlighted India’s strong economic fundamentals, including over 7 per cent GDP growth and controlled inflation. He said the Cyient Foundation’s CSR initiatives focus on technology for social good and urged students to adapt to rapid technological changes.
Earlier, Sitharaman toured key NTTC facilities, including the Centre of Excellence 4.0 and the Agro-Based Rural Technology unit which was followed by a formal programme, chaired by Ramnikant, Secretary of Industries & Commerce. Advisor to Industries & Commerce, Hekani Jakhalu delivered the welcome address.
During the programme, SIDBI handed over a sanction letter to the Director of Industries & Commerce and CEO of NTTC, and exchanged MoUs with three state industry bodies, the Business Association of Nagas, Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland and Nagaland Hotels & Restaurant Association.
Sitharaman also virtually inaugurated two SASCI-funded projects - Construction of Multipurpose Hall with amenities at Phek and the construction of Guest House for Administrative Officers at Zunheboto town from Niathu Resort, Chümoukedima, following which the Union Minister held a review meeting on the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Projects with Nagaland Chief Minister, Dr Neiphiu Rio and Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, senior officials from various departments and other dignitaries.
About AI Centre of Excellence
In a brief note, Director of Industries & Commerce and NTTC CEO P. Tokugha Sema said the AI Centre of Excellence for skilling unemployed youth in the Northeast was set up after a field visit by NITI Aayog and the Cyient Foundation identified NTTC Dimapur as a suitable institution. The establishment, funded by SIDBI under its CSR initiative and implemented with Cyient Foundation’s technical expertise, now houses fully operational labs for two trades—Handloom & Handicraft and AI, Software Coding & Robotics.
He said three more trades-Agriculture & Food Processing; Automobile, Electric Vehicle & Solar Technologies; and Healthcare-have been identified for future expansion. Sema said the centre is expected to train up to 240 youths annually, promote entrepreneurship and innovation, and strengthen sustainable livelihood opportunities in the region.
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