Pune, Aug 8: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has reviewed the first-year progress of its Integrated Skill Initiative and outlined measures to make its training programmes more relevant to the evolving needs of science, technology and industry.
A two-day Coordinators’ Conclave-cum-Meeting of the Monitoring Committee for Phase III of the initiative was held on August 6 and 7 at CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune. The programme was organised by CSIR-Human Resource Development Centre (CSIR-HRDC), Ghaziabad, in association with CSIR-NCL.
The meeting brought together representatives from CSIR laboratories to assess the work carried out during 2025–26 and discuss ways to expand the reach and impact of skill-development programmes.
Skill coordinators from 37 participating CSIR laboratories presented their annual progress, covering training activities, trainee participation, new initiatives, challenges and plans for the coming year.
The discussions highlighted the importance of giving learners practical, industry-relevant skills as technology and workplace requirements continue to change. Participants also exchanged successful approaches that could help strengthen training programmes across the CSIR network.
Dr Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam, Director of the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee, stressed the importance of skill development in preparing a workforce capable of meeting future economic and technological requirements.
CSIR-NCL Director Dr Ashish Lele highlighted CSIR’s nationwide laboratory network and scientific expertise as important assets for supporting India’s skill-development goals.
The conclave also explored stronger cooperation between CSIR and industry-oriented organisations. Discussions focused on improving industry-academia linkages, enhancing employability and ensuring that training remains aligned with emerging sector requirements.
Technical discussions also covered project planning, financial management and efficient use of resources to improve implementation.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of experiences and suggestions from Skill Nodal Officers. The recommendations are expected to guide the next stage of Phase III and help strengthen the quality, reach and effectiveness of CSIR’s skill-development programmes.
The initiative reflects CSIR’s broader effort to connect scientific expertise with practical skills and help prepare a workforce capable of contributing to India’s growing technology, research and innovation ecosystem.