Mumbai: In response to recent border tensions following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, the Maharashtra government has launched a large-scale initiative to train thousands of Industrial Training Institute (ITI) students in disaster management.
The training program is being carried out in collaboration with Aniruddha’s Academy of Disaster Management and was formally inaugurated on Thursday at the Thane by Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
Minister Lodha emphasized the importance of preparing citizens for crisis situations. “Disasters whether natural or man-made are becoming more complex. Every citizen should be equipped with basic rescue and disaster management skills,” he said.

Highlighting the need for future-ready education, he also announced the introduction of six new vocational courses to be rolled out in ITIs from the next academic year. These include Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicle (EV) Management, Industrial Robotics and 3D Printing, Drone Technology, and Solar Technician programs. Former Maharashtra DGP Praveen Dixit conducted a state-wide virtual workshop on civil defense for ITI students.