India, Nov 20:In a significant milestone toward equipping Uttarakhand’s youth with next-generation digital competencies, the Directorate of Skill Development and Employment (DSDE), SETU Aayog, and the NIIT Foundation have partnered to implement the Cyber Suraksha Plus programme across all Government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in the state. Supported by Cisco, the initiative is designed to strengthen cybersecurity awareness and provide ITI students with essential digital literacy, AI-based skill development, and professional-edge training—aligning with India’s broader digital transformation agenda.
The programme was officially launched at Government ITI Sitarganj, in the presence of Hon’ble Shri Saurabh Bahuguna, Minister for Skill Development & Employment, Government of Uttarakhand, who served as Chief Guest, and Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi, Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, who graced the event as Guest of Honour. Senior officials from DSDE, SETU Aayog, Government ITIs, and partner organizations were also in attendance.
Addressing the gathering, Hon’ble Minister Shri Saurabh Bahuguna reiterated the State Government’s commitment to embedding future-oriented digital and professional skills in technical and vocational education. He emphasized the role of initiatives like the Professional Edge Program in improving soft skills, communication abilities, and interview readiness, thus enhancing students’ employability across high-growth sectors.
“Uttarakhand is committed to preparing its youth for opportunities in an increasingly digital world. Programs like Professional Edge build confidence, develop essential soft skills, and open doors to better employment opportunities, supported by NIIT Foundation’s placement efforts. By integrating future-ready skills into the ITI ecosystem, we are creating a workforce that will drive the state’s progress and contribute meaningfully to India’s digital future,” said Shri Bahuguna.
Shri Raj Shekhar Joshi; Vice Chairman, SETU Aayog, noted that the partnership is timely, given the rising incidence of cybercrimes and the growing need for cybersecurity and AI-based competencies across industries.
“The Professional Edge Program enhances students’ digital and soft skills, making them interview-ready and better equipped for industry demands. By enabling exposure to cybersecurity, AI, and professional skills—backed by strong placement support—we are helping Uttarakhand’s youth access better job pathways and contribute to the state’s economic growth and India’s digital ambitions,” said Shri Joshi.
Representing the NIIT Foundation; Akhilesh Sharma, National Program Head – Skills & Education, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to strengthening India’s vocational skilling ecosystem.
“We believe every learner deserves access to high-quality digital education and future-ready skills. Through Cyber Suraksha Plus, we are proud to support Uttarakhand in nurturing industry-ready young professionals.”
The event also saw participation from; Tarun Anthony, Project Manager, Cisco CSR India, and Amar Gupta, Operations Head, NIIT Foundation.
The Cyber Suraksha Plus programme will be implemented across all Government ITIs in a phased manner, supported by continuous monitoring, capacity building, and joint oversight by DSDE, SETU Aayog, and programme partners. The initiative is expected to significantly boost employability, enhance digital awareness, and build a more cyber-secure, skilled, and globally competitive youth workforce in Uttarakhand.
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