Mahendra Nath Pandey reviews various initiatives taken up by NSTIs, ITIs and Jan Sikshan Sansthans

Skills development minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, on Tuesday, reviewed and lauded various initiatives taken up by NSTIs, ITIs and Jan Sikshan Sansthans in the country to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including making of 20 lakh masks.

Appreciating their efforts, minister Pandey emphasized that skilling is not only about training in various skills of choice but also focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship centric spirit which should be encouraged and celebrated amongst the youth of the nation.

Amongst several initiatives, team ITI Berhampur has designed and developed an aerosol box which tightly shields healthcare providers face from the patient’s face, mouth & nose. These will soon be produced commercially to meet the demand of Covid hospitals in and outside the country.


Besides, ITI Cuttack has developed a service Robot for COVID 19 and a TelePresence Robot For COVID 19 which is seen as a complete life savior for health workers.

Similarly, candidates from Jan Sikshan Santhans, specially the women community have been actively been making masks for public and official distribution.

"More than 15 lakh masks have been made at JSSs, across the country, while ITIs have made more than 5 lakh masks so far," ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship said in a statement.