Newspatrolling.com News cum Content Syndication Portal Online
National, November 19, 2025: In a landmark step towards empowering Uttarakhand’s youth with next-generation digital skills, the Directorate of Skill Development and Employment (DSDE), SETU Aayog, and the NIIT Foundation have entered into a partnership to implement the Cyber Suraksha Plus programme across all Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state.
Supported by Cisco, this collaboration aims to equip thousands of ITI students with in-demand skills in cybersecurity, digital literacy, professional-edge training, and AI-based skill development, reinforcing Uttarakhand’s vision of creating a future-ready and employable youth workforce aligned with India’s digital transformation journey.
The launch ceremony, held at Government ITI Sitarganj, was graced by Hon’ble Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister for Skill Development & Employment, Government of Uttarakhand, as Chief Guest, and Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, as Guest of Honour. Senior officials from DSDE, SETU Aayog, Government ITIs, and programme partners participated in the event.
In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Saurabh Bahuguna highlighted the State Government’s focus on embedding future-oriented skills within technical education and vocational programmes. He emphasized that strengthening the digital foundation of ITI students is essential for expanding employment pathway by improving their soft skills and readiness for interviews through the Professional Edge Program.
“Uttarakhand is committed to preparing its youth for the opportunities of a rapidly evolving digital world. Programs like the Professional Edge initiative strengthen soft skills and interview readiness while enabling young people to compete confidently in high-growth sectors with NIIT Foundation’s placement support. By integrating future-oriented skills into the ITI ecosystem, we are building a skilled, empowered, and future-ready workforce that can drive the state’s progress and contribute to India’s digital transformation,” said Shri Bahuguna.
Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, emphasized that the partnership strengthens cyber awareness and skill development at a time when cybercrimes are rising. He noted that building digital competencies, including cybersecurity and AI-linked skills, within vocational institutions is critical to addressing emerging industry needs and enabling long-term employment opportunities for youth across districts.
“The Professional Edge Program will help ITI students build essential soft skills, strengthen digital competencies, and become truly interview-ready. By equipping them with cybersecurity awareness, AI exposure, and professional skills, with NIIT Foundation supporting placement drives, we are ensuring that young people can access better opportunities across industries and regions. This will give Uttarakhand’s youth a stronger pathway to future jobs and contribute to the state’s economic growth and India’s wider digital ambitions,” said Shri Joshi.
From the NIIT Foundation’s side, the initiative represents a deepened commitment to expanding structured digital empowerment across India’s vocational ecosystem.
“We believe that every learner, deserves access to high-quality digital education and future-ready skills. Through Cyber Suraksha Plus, we remain committed to supporting Uttarakhand to nurture industry-ready young professionals.,” said Akhilesh Sharma, National Program Head – Skills & Education, NIIT Foundation.
The event was also attended by Tarun Anthony, Project manager, CISCO CSR India and Amar Gupta, Operations Head, NIIT Foundation. The Cyber Suraksha Plus programme will be rolled out across all Government ITIs in a phased manner, with structured monitoring and capacity-building support led jointly by DSDE, SETU Aayog, and programme partners. The initiative is positioned to significantly enhance employability, strengthen digital awareness, and contribute to a more cyber-secure, skilled, and globally competitive workforce in Uttarakhand.
