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The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has announced plans to establish 50 Future Skills Centres (FSCs) and 10 NSDC International Academies to enhance skill development and improve workforce readiness in India. This initiative aims to address the country's growing demand for skilled professionals, particularly in emerging technologies and international markets.

About NSDC

• NSDC is a not-for-profit public limited company set up to promote skill development across India.
• It operates under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Established on July 31, 2008, NSDC was founded as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 (now Section 8 under the 2013 Act).
• The corporation operates with a 49% government stake and 51% private sector participation, ensuring a balanced approach to skill development through public and private sector collaboration.

Key Objectives of NSDC

• Bridging the Skill Gap: NSDC aims to fill the gap between industry requirements and the available workforce by providing industry-relevant training. This enhances workforce employability and supports the growth of the Indian economy.
• Financial Support for Enterprises: NSDC provides funding and concessional loans to enterprises, start-ups, and training organizations to expand their operations and develop a skilled workforce.
• Skilling the Workforce for Emerging Technologies: The corporation focuses on upskilling individuals in emerging technologies to make them market-ready.

Key Functions of NSDC

• Skill Development & Training: NSDC provides vocational training and certification across emerging technologies to align the workforce with current industry needs, ensuring that individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market.
• Apprenticeship & Job Training: Under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), NSDC trains around 5 million apprentices by disbursing ?100,250 million for skill-based learning, giving them hands-on experience and industry exposure.
• Digital & Remote Skilling: Through the Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH), NSDC offers over 7,100 courses in 23 languages, catering to 30 crore candidates. These online courses provide accessibility to skill development programs across the country, particularly for individuals in remote and rural areas.
• Job & Career Support: NSDC runs JobX, a platform that connects job seekers with potential employers. This platform offers services such as resume building, career coaching, and placement assistance, having already supported 4 million candidates in securing jobs.

New Initiatives by NSDC

To further strengthen India’s skill ecosystem, NSDC is establishing 50 Future Skills Centres (FSCs) and 10 NSDC International Academies. These initiatives will focus on:

• Future Skills Centres: These centers will offer training in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and robotics, ensuring that India's workforce is prepared for future job markets.
• International Academies: The academies will focus on global skill standards and international certifications, enhancing the employability of Indian workers in global markets.