Kolkata, February 24, 2026: Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, on Monday reviewed academic reforms and infrastructure expansion initiatives at the Central Staff Training and Research Institute (CSTARI), Kolkata.
During his visit, the Minister undertook a comprehensive assessment of CSTARI’s curriculum development efforts under key flagship programmes, including the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), Apprenticeship Training Scheme (ATS), and Crafts Instructor Training Scheme (CITS). The institute has revised and aligned several courses with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) levels, following approvals from the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET), reinforcing its focus on quality and national standards.
Focus on Emerging Technologies and Green Skills
Highlighting the importance of future-ready skilling, CSTARI has introduced foundational modules on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all trainees. The institute has also launched new-age courses such as Data Annotation Assistant, Artificial Intelligence Programming Assistant, Cyber Security Assistant, Semiconductor Technician, and 5G Network Technician.
In line with India’s clean energy ambitions, specialised curricula have been developed in cutting-edge areas including Green Hydrogen Production and Nuclear Power Plant Technology.
Addressing faculty members, officers and trainees, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said:
“CSTARI Kolkata plays a critical role in strengthening the institutional capacity of India’s skill ecosystem through curriculum design, trainer development and research-led interventions. As India advances towards new frontiers in technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing, our institutions must remain agile, innovative and globally benchmarked. The integration of emerging domains such as Artificial Intelligence and Green Hydrogen, along with infrastructure modernisation, reflects our commitment to building future-ready institutions that empower our youth and reinforce India’s position as a global skill capital.”
Agile Curriculum, Global Outlook
The Minister was briefed on CSTARI’s consultative approach to curriculum revision, involving industry experts, state directorates, sector skill bodies and training institutions to ensure responsiveness to evolving labour market needs.
Emphasising global competitiveness, he underscored the importance of periodic review of CTS and CITS courses to reflect industry realities and integrate emerging technologies. He also stressed strengthening institutional collaboration between CSTARI and the National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) for quality course and content development.
Additionally, he highlighted the integration of internationally relevant language competencies such as Japanese and German within an NSQF-compliant framework to enhance global employability prospects for Indian youth.
“Our objective is clear — to make India’s skilling ecosystem adaptive, globally competitive and forward-looking,” he added.
Exceeds Annual Training Target
Reviewing training performance, the Minister noted that CSTARI has surpassed its annual target for the current financial year, training 1,211 participants against a target of 1,200.
The institute’s training portfolio includes foundation courses for officers recruited through the Engineering Services Examination, induction and in-service programmes for DGT officers, trainer competency enhancement initiatives, pedagogy training, employability skills modules, and capacity building for master trainers under national initiatives such as PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
Foundation Stone Laid for New Auditorium
As part of CSTARI’s long-term development roadmap, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a 200-seating auditorium to strengthen the institute’s academic and training infrastructure. Plans for a new academic block and a 50-room executive hostel were also reviewed to support expanding training activities.
Marking the occasion, Shri Jayant Chaudhary participated in a tree plantation drive within the campus, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable development and green institutional practices.
The visit concluded with an interactive session with faculty and officials focusing on curriculum modularisation, deeper industry partnerships and enhancing institutional excellence in alignment with national skilling priorities.
