New Delhi: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), in partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, has launched an ambitious program to train 2,100 tribal students in semiconductor technology over the next three years.

This initiative, named the 'Semiconductor Fabrication & Characterization Training for Students from Tribal Community,' is part of the central sector scheme - Tribal Research Information, Education, Communication and Events (TRI-ECE).

Under this program, 1,500 students will receive basic training, while an additional 600 students will undergo advanced training.

These sessions will be conducted by the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at IISc, a premier institution in semiconductor research and education.

Eligibility for the program is open to tribal students holding degrees in engineering disciplines.

The training will be conducted in accordance with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring that the participants receive industry-recognized certifications at levels 6.0 and 6.5.

The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) has already established six large Nano centers, including the one at IISc, for advanced semiconductor training.

While these centers typically offer degree and short-term programs, the collaboration with MoTA marks the first instance of a training program tailored exclusively for the tribal community.

This initiative, as announced by Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs, Durgadas Uikey in the Lok Sabha, represents a significant step towards empowering tribal students with cutting-edge skills in a critical technology sector.