Back-to-back AI launches: Sitharaman unveils Dimapur Future Skills Centre

DIMAPUR — Fresh off launching an AI learning project in Kohima, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday opened another tech-skilling centre in Dimapur to accelerate Nagaland’s digital push.

She inaugurated the AI and Future Skills Centre of Excellence at Nagaland Tool Room and Training Centre (NTTC) in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton.

Speaking at the event, the Union minister recalled that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives had previously found “very few activities worthy of support” in Nagaland—a concern also raised earlier by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio during their interactions.

To address this, she said that a CSR conclave was held in the state in 2022, which attracted strong participation and gradually brought in sustained, purpose-driven corporate engagement.

She highlighted two major CSR-backed skill initiatives now taking shape: one at NIELIT Kohima, supported by the Tata Group with master trainers in semiconductor manufacturing technology; and another at NTTC Dimapur, where the CYIENT Foundation will train youth in advanced production techniques, coding, and the integration of local handloom skills with AI technologies.

Sitharaman thanked CYIENT Founder-Chairman Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy for extending support to Nagaland, saying that his willingness to work beyond his home region reflected a commitment to providing equal opportunities to youth across India.

She added that while new-age manufacturing—driven by AI, 3D printing and emerging technologies—is rapidly evolving, it is essential for Naga youth to be equipped with relevant skills to secure employment.

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“This is the purpose behind bringing such initiatives to Nagaland,” she maintained.

Focus on Kiphire

During a media interaction at Zone Niathu, Chümoukedima, Sitharaman said that her visit was centred on reviewing development indicators in Kiphire, Nagaland’s aspirational district.

She explained that the prime minister personally monitors the performance of all 112 aspirational districts through monthly PRAGATI reviews, while Union ministers are required to visit the Northeast regularly—resulting in about 700 high-level visits so far, including 70 by the prime minister himself.

Also read: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visits Kiphire, flags off bike ambulances under SBI CSR initiative

She added that during her tours, she prioritises assessing progress in areas such as women’s empowerment, health, nutrition, education, agriculture, and socio-economic saturation indicators.

Banking teams accompany her visits to conduct on-the-spot credit outreach for retail, agricultural, MSME, and start-up loans.

The Union minister expressed satisfaction with the progress in Nagaland but acknowledged challenges such as difficult terrain and long travel distances. She assured the Centre’s support in addressing them.

On the effectiveness of the two-wheeler ambulance launched in Kiphire, she said that it offers quicker access to patients in hilly and remote areas where four-wheelers struggle, adding that feasibility assessments were made before deployment.

The minister also reiterated that the number of villages in the state without banking touchpoints has reduced from 1,153 to just 15 since her previous visit, and assured that the remaining villages will be covered soon.

Responding to concerns over the recurring damage of NH-29 during monsoons and allegations of laxity by NHIDCL, Sitharaman said that the tendering process is transparent and contractors are bound to quality standards.

She assured that action, including blacklisting, would be taken if standards are not met. She added that monsoon-related road damage is a nationwide issue and repair cycles follow accordingly.

MoUs exchanged

Earlier at the inauguration, CYIENT Chairman Dr. BVR Mohan Reddy and SIDBI Deputy Managing Director Sudatta Mandal delivered brief remarks.

Several MoUs were exchanged between SIDBI and the Business Association of Nagas, Women Entrepreneurs Network Nagaland, and Nagaland Hotel and Restaurant Association.

Read more: Nirmala Sitharaman unveils SAMARTH project to boost AI, robotics learning in Northeast

SIDBI also handed over a sanction letter to the Director of Industries and Commerce and the CEO of NTTC.

According to CYIENT, the centre is expected to train over 200–240 youth annually, with 75% of graduates projected to find employment or become self-employed within three months of course completion.

“The model includes faculty training, AI-based curriculum integration, and market linkage opportunities for sustained impact,” it informed.