Uttar Pradesh: Yogi government signs historic agreement with NELCO Limited to set up advanced Dream Labs in 600 government schools

On Saturday, 22nd May, the Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh signed an important agreement to set up advanced “Dream Labs” in 600 government secondary and higher secondary schools across the state.

The initiative has been launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and aims to equip students with practical skills linked to new-age technologies and Industry 4.0 requirements. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Directorate of Secondary Education in Lucknow between Samagra Shiksha (Secondary), the Secondary Education Department of Uttar Pradesh, Nelco Limited, a Tata Enterprise, and several industrial partners.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma and Director General of School Education Monika Rani.

Focus on Industry 4.0 and practical learning

Speaking during the event, Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma said the project was much more than just another education scheme. “This agreement is not just a project, but an investment in the future of Uttar Pradesh’s youth,” he said. He added that industries are changing rapidly and students now need skills that match modern technology-driven workplaces.

“Considering the rapidly changing industrial requirements, it is the need of the hour to equip students with Industry 4.0-based skills. Dream Labs will become a strong medium in this direction, where students will gain practical and employment-oriented skills along with traditional education,” Sharma said.

Director General Monika Rani described the initiative as a major step for vocational education in the state. “This initiative will give a new direction to vocational education,” she said. She also stressed the importance of proper implementation, especially in aspirational districts, and highlighted the need for regular student attendance, quality trainers, proper installation of machinery and continuous monitoring.

AI, robotics, drones and electric vehicle training

Under the project, Dream Labs will be created in 600 schools spread across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. The schools will include 150 hub schools and 450 spoke schools under a hub-and-spoke model. The rollout will happen in three phases. In the first phase, Dream Labs will be established in 72 schools. The second phase will cover 144 schools, while the remaining 384 schools will be covered in the third phase.

Students from Classes 9 to 12 will receive hands-on training in several advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), 3D printing, renewable energy, drone technology, electronics, advanced manufacturing, agricultural science, battery-operated electric vehicles and design thinking.

This project is in line with the National Education Policy 2020, National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF) and Skill India Mission. Its objective is to develop innovation, problem-solving ability, technical efficiency and entrepreneurship skills among students so that they can become competitive in the future global economy.

Industry partnership to support long-term growth

Under the five-year partnership model, Nelco Limited and other industrial groups will provide advanced machines, software support, digital platforms and maintenance services for the labs. Industry experts will also train students and teachers to ensure that the system becomes self-sustaining over time.

Representatives from global companies such as Yaskawa, Mastercam, 3D Systems, AjnaLens and Ace Micromatic attended the programme and called the initiative a strong link between education and industry.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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