CSIR reviews Phase III Integrated Skill Initiative progress and future workforce plans

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) held a two‑day Coordinators’ Conclave‑cum‑Meeting of the Monitoring Committee for Phase III of its Integrated Skill Initiative at the CSIR‑National Chemical Laboratory in Pune. Representatives from 37 participating CSIR laboratories presented annual progress reports covering training activities, trainee outreach, innovations, challenges and plans for the coming year. The forum highlighted the importance of skill development for nation‑building and stressed the need to align training with evolving industry requirements. Dr. Mohana Krishna Reddy Mudiam, Director of the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee, underscored the role of the initiative in creating an industry‑ready workforce. Dr. Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR‑NCL, noted CSIR’s nationwide laboratory network as a key asset for supporting India’s Skill India Mission and positioning the country as a global hub for skilled talent. Discussions also focused on strengthening industry‑academia linkages, improving employability, and ensuring efficient use of resources for the next stage of Phase III.