Ministry of Rural Development Signs MoU with National Academy of RUDSETI for RSETI Enhancement
The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Academy of RUDSETI (NAR) on October 12, 2026, to establish uniform training standards and improve institutional capacity across Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) nationwide. The agreement was signed in the presence of Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development, with the actual exchange conducted between Shri S. Sasikumar, Joint Secretary (Rural Skills), and Shri Raju N. Kori, Director General of NAR.
The partnership focuses on enhancing candidate registration through Kaushal Panjee and Aadhaar-based face authentication using the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS). It will implement National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)-aligned new-age courses, adopt industry-benchmarked training aids and equipment, and deliver core Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) courses as notified by MoRD. Additional components include strengthening Training of Trainers (ToT), assessment and certification of trainees and trainers through the Unified Portal (kaushal.rural.gov.in), and ensuring compliance with Common Norms notified by the Ministry.
A significant training target of 6.35 lakh rural youth has been set for RSETIs for the current year, specifically targeting women, SC/ST, Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and other vulnerable groups. This target exceeds the training goal established for the previous year (2025-26). The initiative aligns with the broader objectives of empowering rural communities through skill development, enterprise creation, and sustainable livelihoods, contributing to the vision of Viksit Bharat.