The MoU signing marks an important step forward—particularly in formalising partnership between the Campus des Métiers et Qualifications (CMQ) of France and Directorate General of Training (DGT) of India. The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework to promote mutual cooperation in key sectors such as fashion, hospitality, tourism, arts and crafts, energy, aeronautics, and media. It envisions exchange of information, experience and expertise; joint efforts to develop curricula, and set up teacher and training of trainer courses, including those with a focus on the French language. The MoU also proposes the establishment of “Franco-Indian vocational campuses” that would connect Indian training centres with France’s vocational education ecosystem, potentially anchored by partnerships with French and Indian industries.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Ministry of Education, Government of India, said, “This MoU with France marks a significant step towards building a truly global, future-ready workforce. By formalising our partnership, we are creating an institutional bridge for meaningful collaboration in vocational education. Our shared ambition is not just to exchange information and expertise, but to co-create opportunities that place skill, dignity, and innovation at the heart of national progress. Together, we are investing in the talent that will define tomorrow’s India and the world.”

H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India, said, “Rooted in mutual respect and shared aspirations, this partnership in vocational education reflects the best of Indo-French collaboration. This MoU is more than a formal agreement—it is a commitment to empower youth, foster innovation, and promote social mobility. We aim to build pathways for a future-ready workforce, where skills become instruments of dignity, opportunity, and inclusive growth.”

The partnership will also promote internships and apprenticeships in both countries. Importantly, the agreement underlines inclusivity, with special focus on promoting women’s participation in all collaborative initiatives.

A Working Group co-chaired by MSDE and the French Embassy in New Delhi will oversee the implementation of the MoU. The group will coordinate activities, identify priority sectors and institutional partners, and facilitate exchange of knowledge and best practices.

The MoU brings together four key ministries from both nations—on the French side, the Ministry of National Education, Higher Education and Research; the Ministry of Labour, Health, Solidarity and the Family; and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs; and on the Indian side, MSDE—reflecting a strong, inter-ministerial commitment to advancing skill development and vocational training through collaborative efforts.

Airports in Latur, Osmanabad, Nanded, Yavatmal, and Baramati were awarded to Reliance Airport Developers for development in 2008-2009

Fadnavis said that the government will seek the state Advocate General’s opinion on the matter.

The selection of entities for coal/lignite gasification scheme will be carried out through a competitive and transparent bidding process. Furthermore, government is considering providing budgetary support to eligible Government PSUs, and Private sector enabling them to undertake coal gasification projects. In first segment, the government will provide support to Government PSUs. The second segment encompasses both the Private Sector and Government PSUs, with a budget allocation granted to each project. The selection of at least one project under this segment will be determined through a tariff-based bidding process, with criteria formulated in consultation with NITI Aayog. Lastly, the third segment involves the provision of budgetary support for demonstration projects utilizing indigenous technology and/or small-scale product-based gasification plants.

The Ministry is also considering an incentive to reimburse the Goods and Services Tax (GST) compensation cess on coal utilized in gasification projects for a period of 10 years after the commercial operational date (COD), provided that the GST compensation cess is extended beyond FY27. This incentive aims to offset the inability of entities to claim input tax credit for the same.

The signing ceremony took place at New Delhi in the presence of Chief Minister .Conrad K Sangma, Power Minister Abu Taher Mondal, Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC Limited and Sanjay Goyal, CMD, MeECL.