Agartala, Feb 13: In a significant step towards women empowerment, the permanent campus of National Skill Training Institute exclusively for women was inaugurated at Anandanagar in Agartala on Tuesday.

Union Minister for Skill Development and Education Dharmendra Pradhan launched the new facility in virtual presence of Chief Minister of Tripura Dr. Manik Saha, Union Minister of State Pratima Bhowmik and other dignitaries.
Dr. Saha said, "Recognizing the pivotal role of economic independence, we've shifted our focus to ensure that women have the tools to secure their financial futures."
The Chief Minister said, the institute marks another milestone in the government's journey towards empowerment under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"I am proud to witness the impact of our initiatives in skill development. Over the past nine years, the Directorate of Skill Development has equipped 42 thousand individuals with valuable skills, with over 17,000 benefiting from the PMKVY program alone. Our dedication to women empowerment goes beyond rhetoric; it's reflected in tangible actions aimed at fostering self-reliance," the Chief Minister said.
“The Tripura State Policy for Empowerment of Women 2022 stands as a testament to our commitment, outlining our strategic approach to fostering gender equality and economic empowerment. Through concrete steps, we're breaking barriers and facilitating the active participation of women in every sphere of society. Together, let's continue this journey towards a more inclusive and empowered Tripura," he added. 
With a total investment of Rs. 17 crore, the institute's permanent campus of National Skill Training Institute (Women) at Anand Nagar, Agartala now stands as a symbol of progress and commitment. 
NSTI (W) Agartala under MSDE, GoI focuses on providing vocational training to female trainees from Tripura and other places.
With an emphasis on trades with high employability, the institute offers need-based training for wage and self-employment. The recently inaugurated permanent campus built over 4.12 acres signifies a commitment to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for skill development. The campus includes academic and administrative blocks, along with a hostel accommodating 32 girls.
Under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), NSTI (W) Agartala offers courses in Cosmetology, Dress Making, and Secretarial Practice (English). The introduction of new trades under the Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS) from the 2023-24 session, including Catering and Hospitality, Computer Software Application, and Office Management, reflects the institute's commitment to evolving industry needs. 
With 102 trainees currently enrolled and plans to admit 200 more in the upcoming session, NSTI (W) Agartala aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.
On the auspicious occasion of Sarojini Naidu's birth anniversary which also recognized as National Women’s Day, the Union Minister of Education and Skill Development inaugurated the National Skill Training Institute for Women Agartala and also inaugurated a girl’s hostel in Vadodara, Gujarat. 
These milestones signify a significant stride towards empowering Nari Shakti, creating a conducive environment for female trainees pursuing skill development, marking a new era in skill development initiatives.
In his virtual address, the Union Minister said, "The initiatives launched today will stand as true symbols of women empowerment in two important centres of eastern and western India. They will work towards illuminating the path of the women in the region equipping them with skills, and attitude and help in the advancement of women led development envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of Santana Chakma, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Jail (Home) and Welfare of OBCs, Govt of Tripura, Ranjanben Dhananjay Bhatt, Member of Parliament, Vadodara, Ram Prasad Paul, Deputy Speaker, Tripura Legislative Assembly and Pinkyben Nirajbhai Soni, Mayor of Vadodara Municipal Corporation.