New Delhi, Mar 20: In a significant step towards strengthening India’s apparel manufacturing ecosystem and equipping rural youth with future-ready skills, the Chaudhary Ajit Singh Centre of Excellence (CoE) for Design and Fashion Technology was inaugurated in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh. The Centre has been established by the Apparel, Made-Ups & Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council.
The Centre was inaugurated by Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in the presence of A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AMHSSC, and Ashish Srivastava, CEO, AMHSSC, along with senior government officials and industry representatives.
Strategically located in Baghpat, approximately 50 km from New Delhi, the Centre of Excellence is envisioned as a cutting-edge hub for skill development, innovation, and industry collaboration in the apparel and fashion technology sector. With its launch, eight industry-relevant courses have been introduced, including Sewing Machine Operator, Self-Employed Tailor, Fashion Designing and Technology, along with several AI-enabled programmes.
Addressing the gathering, Jayant Chaudhary highlighted the importance of integrating technology with skill development. He stated that the AI-enabled Centre of Excellence represents a major step in bringing advanced training closer to rural youth, enabling employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation opportunities across western Uttar Pradesh. He further noted the apparel sector’s significant contribution to employment and GDP, providing livelihoods to millions across the country.
Speaking on the occasion, A. Sakthivel emphasised that the Centre reflects AMHSSC’s commitment to preparing India’s workforce for the future of apparel manufacturing by integrating AI-driven training, smart manufacturing tools, and advanced design technologies.
Spread across approximately 9,000 square feet, the facility has been developed with an investment of around ₹5 crore. It is equipped with three smart classrooms and 43 advanced sewing machines, including AI-enabled systems, along with modern CAD-CAM infrastructure, 3D design software, and simulation-based learning tools. The Centre offers training in AI in fashion design, 3D prototyping, smart cutting, supply chain management, pattern making, tailoring, and embroidery.
A key highlight of the Centre is its AI-enabled sewing machines, which can automatically detect fabric types and adjust parameters such as stitching speed, pressure, and stitch density. This technology enhances efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes material wastage, aligning production with global quality standards.
Ashish Srivastava noted that the initiative is particularly focused on empowering women in the apparel sector by providing access to advanced training in a safe and inclusive environment, enabling them to achieve economic independence and entrepreneurial growth.
The Centre is expected to benefit lakhs of youth, especially from rural communities, by equipping them with industry-ready skills and enabling their participation in the growing apparel value chain. It will also promote rural entrepreneurship, encourage MSME adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, and contribute to the sustainable growth of India’s textile and apparel ecosystem.
Supported by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and industry partners, the Centre of Excellence is poised to serve as a flagship model for next-generation skill development in India.
