Automotive Skills MoU Aims to Train 5,000 Youth by 2028

16 Sep 2025 CW Team

The Automotive Skills Development Council (ASDC), the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA Academy), and Prayaas Trust have signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a scalable, industry-aligned skill development framework for India’s automotive sector.

The initiative aims to bridge skill gaps, provide inclusive employment, and empower economically marginalised youth. Training centres will expand from three to twenty nationwide, targeting 5,000 youth over three years, with 30 per cent of seats reserved for women.

ASDC will lead the development and upgrading of training modules aligned with industry needs, including emerging technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) and AI-enabled systems. FADA Academy will leverage its dealership network to offer placements, internships, and mentorship opportunities, while Prayaas Trust will identify candidates, deliver training, and provide post-placement support, maintaining a zero-cost model for participants. Funding will come from CSR contributions, industry partnerships, and individual donations.

Corporates are encouraged to sponsor training centres, develop learning resources, and facilitate placements to strengthen the programme’s impact.

Highlighting the significance of the collaboration, Arindam Lahiri, CEO of ASDC, said, “This collaboration ensures underprivileged youth are not left behind in the industry’s evolution.” Saharsh Damani, CEO of FADA Academy, added, “Together, we are shaping futures and strengthening India’s automotive workforce.” Sudhir Kumar, Secretary of Prayaas Trust, noted, “This MoU elevates our grassroots mission to transform lives at scale.” Manish Raj Singhnia, Chairperson of FADA Academy, stated, “FADA Academy stands proud to support an initiative that bridges aspirations with opportunities, shaping a stronger and more equitable automotive future.”

Technology

28 Oct 2025

Building Faster, Smarter, and Greener!

Backed by ULCCS’s century-old legacy, U-Sphere combines technology, modular design and sustainable practices to deliver faster and more efficient projects. In an interaction with CW, Rohit Prabhakar, Director - Business Development, shares how the company’s integrated model of ‘Speed-Build’, ‘Smart-Build’ and ‘Sustain-Build’ is redefining construction efficiency, quality and environmental responsibility in India.U-Sphere positions itself at the intersection of speed, sustainability and smart design. How does this translate into measurable efficiency on the ground?At U..

Smart Roads, Smarter India

India’s infrastructure boom is not only about laying more kilometres of highways – it’s about building them smarter, safer and more sustainably. From drones mapping fragile Himalayan slopes to 3D machine-controlled graders reducing human error, technology is steadily reshaping the way projects are planned and executed. Yet, the journey towards digitisation remains complex, demanding not just capital but also coordination, training and vision.Until recently, engineers largely depended on Survey of India toposheets and traditional survey methods like total stations or DGPS to prepare detai..

What Does DCPR 2034 Mean?

The Maharashtra government has eased approval norms for high-rise buildings under DCPR 2034, enabling the municipal commissioner to sanction projects up to 180 m on large plots. This change is expected to streamline approvals, reduce procedural delays and accelerate redevelopment, drawing reactions from developers, planners and industry experts about its implications for Mumbai’s vertical growth.Under the revised DCPR 2034 rules, buildings on plots of 2,000 sq m or more can now be approved up to 180 m by the municipal commissioner, provided structural and geotechnical reports are certified b..