Recent news has highlighted the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) designation of INS Shivaji as a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Marine Engineering. This unprecedented move marks the first time a military organisation has been recognised as a CoE, underscoring INS Shivaji’s ongoing dedication to advances in skill and technology.
About INS Shivaji
Located in Lonavala, Maharashtra, INS Shivaji is an integral part of the Indian Naval Station. It is home to the Naval College of Engineering, a prime educational institution that provides training for Indian Navy and Coast Guard officials. The station possesses three chief training units, namely the Centre of Marine Engineering and Technology (CMET), the Centre of Excellence in Marine Engineering, and the School of Basic Sciences.
Another notable facility at INS Shivaji is the Nuclear Biological Chemical Defence School, which offers comprehensive training on all aspects of NBCD to naval personnel. Originally commissioned as HMIS (His Majesty’s Indian Ship) Shivaji in February 1945, the institution established its Centre of Excellence (Marine Engineering) in 2014 with the primary aim of introducing niche technologies for naval usage and conducting quality research in association with esteemed R&D and academic institutions. The overarching objective is to enhance the skill set of personnel throughout the Indian Navy, friendly foreign navies, and the wider ecosystem.
Understanding the Centre of Excellence (CoE)
A Centre of Excellence serves as a leadership hub, offering best practices, research, support, trainer education, and sector-specific skill training. In line with the National Policy for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, 2015, it was agreed that National Skills Universities and Institutes would be promoted in cooperation with States as CoEs for skill development and trainer training.
These centres are seen as pivotal resources in the skilling ecosystem, working alongside industry to raise training standards, increase productivity, address emerging skill gaps, and align training and research with industry needs. To rectify skill demand-supply mismatches and ensure a consistent supply of skilled personnel, the MSDE proposes to recognise Centres of Excellence. This initiative encourages organisations actively involved in skilling-related research and development to focus on key emerging areas, addressing knowledge deficits or skill gaps, and establishing new CoEs.
Key Initiatives by MSDE
The MSDE has initiated several programs in its quest to boost the country’s skill landscape. These include the SANKALP Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Recognition of Prior Learning, Skill Management and Accreditation of Training Centres (SMART), and STRIVE.
Interestingly, a previous year question from the UPSC Civil Services Examination asked, “To obtain full benefits of demographic dividend, what should India do?” The answer was “Promoting skill development”, clearly highlighting the critical importance of such initiatives in leveraging India’s demographic advantage.
Recognizing INS Shivaji as a Centre of Excellence is a significant step forward in strengthening India’s skill and technology development framework, particularly in the vital field of marine engineering.