India, ADB to set up skill university in Assam

Both sign USD 112 million loan to strengthen industry-aligned and flexible skills education and training system in the state. 

The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a USD 112 million loan to set up a skill university in Assam. The aim is to strengthen industry-aligned and flexible skills education and training system in the state. Rajat Kumar Mishra, additional secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, signed the agreement for the Assam Skill University (ASU) project for the Government of India, whereas Takeo Konishi, country director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed for ADB. 

The project will support the design and construction of environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient ASU campus and facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technologies. It will also develop the ASU’s management and operating systems, business models and promote professional development of faculty members.  

Partnerships with leading institutional and industry partners will ensure designing of industry-aligned and flexible skills education and training programmes. These will include cutting-edge digital skills programmes, career development programmes and services, and continuing education programmes. 

Courses offered will include agricultural and food technology, manufacturing and construction, mobility, management and finance, tourism, hospitality and healthcare. "The project will enhance collaboration between the ASU and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions and higher education institutions within the state and in neighboring countries to establish programs for common strategic industries,” ADB said. 

It said the loan is supplemented by a USD 1 million grant from the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction to support introduction of technologies for smart campus management and integrated teaching, learning, and career development management. 

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