MLA & Advisor Hekani Jakhalu along with other officials during the extension of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Industry 4.0 at NTTC, Dimapur on April 10. (Morung Photo)
Nagaland expanding NTTC as one-stop tech hub
Morung express News
Dimapur | April 10
Nagaland is intensifying efforts to build a technology-driven ecosystem for youth with the expansion of the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Industry 4.0 at the Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC), Dimapur, with state advisor for Industries and Commerce Hekani Jakhalu urging young people to “dream big, aim high and leverage emerging opportunities.”
Addressing the inauguration of the CoE extension programme as the special guest on Friday, Jakhalu said the government is focused on creating platforms that enable youth to acquire skills, generate livelihoods and contribute to the state’s development, despite institutional constraints.
She described the transformation of NTTC over the past two years as an “intensive intervention”, crediting its leadership and partnerships, particularly with Bharat Forge and its chairman Baba Kalyani, for strengthening infrastructure and technical capabilities.
Jakhalu said the Centre of Excellence, inaugurated last year, continues to make Nagaland the only state in the Northeast with an Industry 4.0 facility. She added that the government is expanding NTTC into a “one-stop centre” for technology learning, including artificial intelligence, with multiple specialised centres under the Industries and Commerce department.
Emphasising that “technology is the way of life”, she said it will drive sectors ranging from traffic to waste management and urged youth to stay ahead in the evolving landscape.
Citing a recent interaction with a young entrepreneur who pitched a high-value AI-driven proposal, Jakhalu highlighted the growing role of youth-led innovation and encouraged students to “dream big” and pursue excellence.
She also expressed concern over low participation in overseas training programmes, noting that only 54 candidates applied for around 20 seats in a Germany-bound initiative with assured jobs. “We want at least 500 applicants competing for 20 seats,” she said, stressing the need for merit and competitiveness.
Urging students to utilise NTTC’s “world-class” facilities, she said the focus should not only be on learning but also on innovation and commercialisation, reiterating that hard work remains key to success.
Bharat Forge Vice President (HR) and CSR Head Leena Deshpande said the company is committed to building an inclusive skill ecosystem aligned with Industry 4.0 technologies and future employment needs.
She highlighted the company’s global footprint across automotive, defence, aerospace, energy and emerging sectors, and said its CSR initiatives in skill development predate India’s CSR law of 2013.
Deshpande noted that Bharat Forge expanded its work beyond Maharashtra to promote inclusion before initiating its engagement in Nagaland.
She said technologies such as AI and IoT are central to the Fourth Industrial Revolution but stressed that “technology alone cannot create impact” without a supporting ecosystem that enhances employability and entrepreneurship.
Pointing to initiatives such as the “Jobs in Germany” programme, she said the first batch of trainees from the CoE is expected to be placed abroad and called for stronger industry linkages and incubation support.
NTTC Assistant General Manager Imnayanger Imchen said the CoE extension marks a “significant leap” in strengthening technology-driven training in the state.
He said the upgrade includes advanced laboratories, modernised classrooms and a 50 kW solar hybrid system that powers the CoE, its extension and the administrative building, reducing operational costs while serving as a live demonstration of renewable energy integration.
Two classrooms have been converted into interactive digital learning spaces connected to the CoE, enabling real-time access to industrial data and simulations.
The extension lab is equipped with Industry 4.0 tools such as IoT systems, robotics and industrial electrical kits, enabling hands-on learning in smart systems, automation and AI-based applications.
Imchen said the facilities are already supporting trainees selected for overseas placements, including a Germany-bound batch, and will benefit students across Nagaland through customised courses and internships aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
The extended Centre of Excellence at NTTC has been equipped with advanced laboratories featuring simulation software, robotics, AI and machine learning, data analytics, electrical and electronics systems, AI-IoT robotics, smart automobile labs and hybrid solar power systems, aligned with current industrial practices.
The initiative aims to boost innovation, research, entrepreneurship and employment, while strengthening industry-academia collaboration. Executed jointly by the Nagaland Industries & Commerce Department, Bharat Forge Ltd., Simusoft Technologies and NTTC with state support, the project seeks to build a skilled workforce and position NTTC as a regional hub for Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing.
