NITI Aayog explores setting up AI Centre of Excellence in Nagaland

A team from NITI Aayog, led by Yugal Joshi, programme director (W&L Resources, Drinking Water & Sanitation, IT, Telecom, Tourism and Culture), visited Dimapur on October 14, to explore the possibility of establishing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence for Skilling under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendra (PMKK) and introducing frontier technology skill training for youth in Nagaland.
According to DIPR, during the visit, the team toured NIELIT and NTTC and also held a meeting with heads of various district offices at the deputy commissioner’s conference hall, Dimapur.
DC Dimapur Dr. Tinojongshi Chang, welcomed the officials and expressed gratitude for their initiative to enhance skill development in the state.
In his opening remarks, Yugal Joshi said the initiative aims to enhance employability and promote entrepreneurship among Naga youth by integrating AI-based learning into key sectors.
He identified focus areas where AI skilling could have significant impact, including handloom and handicrafts, agriculture and food processing, automobiles (including EV and solar technologies), healthcare, and tourism.
The team also discussed potential collaborations with local institutions and stakeholders to ensure that the proposed skilling programmes are aligned with Nagaland’s socio-economic priorities and the evolving job market.
Joshi was accompanied by Krishna Mohan Deevi, Global Head (CSR), YIEVI; Ngayaipam A. Shimray, Young Professional, NITI Aayog; and Akshit Jain, CYIENT Foundation.