Jayant Chaudhary unveils 5 solar powered skill vans for digital inclusion

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary on Tuesday flagged off five new Solar Community Hub Skill Vans aimed at expanding digital access and future-ready skilling opportunities in underserved communities across the country.The initiative has been developed by Dell Technologies,in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is being implemented by Learning Links Foundation.The newly launched vans will operate across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra, bringing solar-powered technology, artificial intelligence-enabled learning tools and employability-focused training directly to communities with limited access to digital infrastructure.
According to the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the expansion marks a shift from basic digital literacy programmes to more comprehensive skilling interventions that include customised training modules and structured pathways for employment. The initiative is expected to provide technology-enabled learning support to more than 50 vocational institutions, higher education centres and community organisations.Each solar-powered skill van is equipped with laptops, interactive screens, internet connectivity and AI-enabled learning tools, allowing training and digital services to be delivered directly at the community level. The mobile hubs are designed to bridge gaps in digital access while equipping learners with skills relevant to emerging industries and future job markets.

Flagging off the vehicles, Chaudhary said the initiative reflects a collective effort to make technology, education and employment opportunities accessible to people across the country. He noted that the programme integrates clean energy solutions with AI-powered learning and industry-aligned skilling to help prepare young people for emerging career opportunities.“The hubs combine clean energy, AI-enabled learning and future-focused skilling, ensuring that opportunities reach communities that are often left behind in the digital transition,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Manish Gupta, President and Managing Director of Dell Technologies India, said the programme demonstrates the impact of collaboration between government, industry and local communities in expanding access to technology and skills.He said the mobile learning hubs are designed to prepare learners for jobs of the future while enabling them to access opportunities within their own communities.The ministry said the training curriculum delivered through the vans is aligned with evolving industry requirements and aims to equip participants with practical, job-relevant skills in a rapidly changing labour market.

Since the launch of the first Solar Community Hub Skill Vans in FY23, the initiative has reached 18 districts across 14 states and directly impacted around 2.67 million beneficiaries, according to official data.The programme has also expanded globally, with 63 skill vans currently operating across 12 countries, highlighting its growing role in promoting inclusive digital access and workforce development.