TERI and NABARD Promote Green Skills through Future-Ready EV Workforce Training for Rural Youth

New Delhi, 16 September 2026: The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), organised the valedictory and certificate distribution ceremony of the training programme on “Future-Ready EV Workforce: Skilling Rural Youth in Installation, Operations, and Maintenance” at TERI, New Delhi.

The programme aimed to contribute to the development of a skilled workforce equipped to support the growing electric mobility ecosystem. The training focused on building technical capabilities in electric vehicle charging installation, operations and maintenance, while creating awareness among rural youth of NCT about emerging employment and livelihood opportunities in the EV sector.

The valedictory programme brought together representatives from TERI, NABARD, industry and training partners. The programme included sessions on the objectives of green skilling, training context and outcomes, prospects for a future-ready EV workforce, and the role of TERI and NABARD in promoting green skills and sustainability practices.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr P K Bhattacharya, Director, Knowledge Resource Centre, TERI, delivered the welcome address, setting the context for the importance of skill development in emerging green sectors. Mr Dhananjay Raghunath Gajare, Assistant Manager, NABARD, highlighted the objectives of green skilling and its relevance in creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.

The programme also featured an address by Mr Avinash, CEO, DIY Guru, who spoke on the need to develop a future-ready EV workforce to support India’s transition towards electric mobility. Highlighting DIY Guru’s work in hands-on EV skill development and technical training since 2016, he emphasized practical learning in areas such as EV technology, battery systems, charging infrastructure, maintenance, and diagnostics. He noted that industry-oriented training can bridge the skill gap and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship among youth.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Dipankar Saharia, Senior Fellow & Senior Director, TERI. Dr Saharia highlighted TERI’s role in advancing green skills and sustainability practices. He emphasized the need to equip youth with skills aligned with emerging environmental and technological challenges, while promoting sustainability, resource efficiency and climate resilience. He also stressed the importance of collaboration among research institutions, government, industry, and training organizations to build a skilled workforce for India’s sustainability transition.

The Valedictory Address was delivered by Shri Nabin Kumar Roy, Chief General Manager, New Delhi Regional Office, NABARD, who spoke on the role of NABARD in promoting green skills and sustainability practices. He highlighted the importance of green skilling in empowering youth and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He urged the youth to focus on becoming skilled and future-ready workers by acquiring relevant technical and practical skills that can enhance their employability and enable them to contribute meaningfully to emerging green sectors. Referring to the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative, he encouraged the participants to actively register and take part in the initiative and make use of the opportunities it provides for youth engagement, skill development, and participation in nation-building activities.

He also congratulated TERI for successfully mobilising students from across Delhi-NCR and bringing them together to participate in the programme. He appreciated the enthusiasm and active participation of the students and encouraged them to continue engaging in such initiatives, acquire green skills, and explore emerging opportunities for sustainable livelihoods and entrepreneurship.

The event concluded with the distribution of certificates to the successful trainees, recognising their participation and completion of the training programme. The trainees also shared their experiences and feedback, reflecting on their learning and exposure during the programme.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Ms Pallavi Singh, Fellow, TERI.