Digital varsity of innovation, vocational studies to be established at Ghumarwin

A digital university of innovation, entrepreneurship, skill and vocational studies will be set up at Ghumarwin in Bilaspur district on the public-private partnership and self-financing model. This institution will serve as a hub for fostering entrepreneurial spirit and innovative thinking among the youth. Besides, the state government is establishing a dedicated innovation fund of Rs 2 crore with an aim to boost the innovation ecosystem and support young innovators in turning their ideas into reality.

A government spokesperson said that the government was committed to skilling the youth in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science. As the demand of skilled professionals in the IT sector was rising, the government was actively working towards nurturing a capable workforce to meet national and global needs, he added.

He said that a significant initiative underway was the planned launch of drone taxi services. “These will support the transportation of agricultural produce and medical supplies to remote regions of the state and significantly improve connectivity and service delivery in rural areas. To modernise agricultural and horticultural practices, drone stations will be set up in Hamirpur, Mandi and Kangra districts,” he added.

The spokesperson said that the government was focused on creating employment and self-employment opportunities through drone technology. “In 2024-25, a total of 243 youths had received drone-related training through government ITIs in the state. To further prepare the youth for future opportunities, the state government has introduced cutting-edge courses in artificial intelligence and data science,” he added.

“Rajiv Gandhi Government College in Nagrota Bagwan will now offer degree courses in AI and data science. Similarly, new technical courses have been approved for other institutions such as civil engineering degree at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Engineering and Technology at Pragatinagar in Shimla and a diploma in computer science and engineering (AI and Machine learning) at Government Polytechnic at Sundernagar in Mandi. The required teaching staff will be provided to ensure successful implementation of these courses,” the spokesperson said.