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 India.
The initiative has been developed by Dell Technologies in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and is being implemented by the Learning Links Foundation. The new vans will operate across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Karnataka, Telangana and Maharashtra, bringing solar-powered technology, AI-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 goes beyond basic digital literacy and introduces customised skilling modules and structured employability pathways. The programme is expected to extend technology-enabled support to more than 50 vocational institutions, higher education centres and community organisations.
Each solar-powered van is equipped with laptops, interactive screens, internet connectivity and AI-enabled learning tools designed to deliver training and services at the community level.
Flagging off the vans, Chaudhary said the initiative reflects a shared commitment to making technology and opportunities accessible across the country. He said the hubs combine clean energy, AI-enabled learning and industry-aligned skilling to prepare young people for emerging employment opportunities.
Dell Technologies India President and Managing Director Manish Gupta said the programme demonstrates the impact of collaboration between government, industry and local communities in expanding access to technology and skills. He said the skill vans are intended to prepare learners for future jobs within their own communities.
The ministry said the training offered through the vans is aligned with emerging market requirements and is aimed at equipping participants with skills relevant to a rapidly changing job market.
Since the launch of the first Solar Community Hub Skill Vans in FY23, the programme has reached 18 districts across 14 states and directly impacted 2.67 million beneficiaries, according to the ministry. Globally, the initiative operates 63 skill vans across 12 countries.
