Special Correspondent
Pune: Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday inaugurated the groundwork for a state-of-the-art incubation and innovation centre in Baner, Pune. Designed to empower youth with skills aligned to current industry demands, the initiative is backed by the Tata Group under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The centre is expected to train approximately 7,000 students each year, aiming to reduce the skills gap in the job market by providing practical, industry-relevant education. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has allocated one acre of land for the project, while Tata Technologies will oversee the construction of a 22,000-square-foot training facility.
PMC Commissioner Rajendra Bhosale shared that the estimated project cost is ₹279.67 crore. Tata Technologies will contribute ₹237.72 crore, with the remaining amount being supported by the state’s Urban Development Department.
Looking ahead, Pawar revealed plans to replicate the model across other regions. “We intend to open two additional skill centres in Lohegaon and Wadgaonsheri, and further extend the initiative to Chandrapur and Gadchiroli,” he said during the ceremony.
The centre is expected to play a pivotal role in creating employment-ready youth by fostering innovation and enhancing technical proficiency across key sectors.