Industry Meets Academia in Mumbai, CII and ITC Hotels Expand National Initiative, Shaping India’s Education-Employment Future

~ Following successful runs in Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the CII Industry-Academia Connect 2025 was held in Mumbai.

~Over 45 industry and academic leaders joined forces to strengthen India’s future-ready workforce.

 

Mumbai, 19th June 2025: Following a high-impact run in Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the Industry-Academia Connect 2025 concluded its impactful momentum to foster a stronger collaboration between industry and academia in Mumbai. Held on 19th June at the ITC Maratha, Mumbai, the initiative is a brainchild of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), in collaboration with ITC Hotels and EHL (École hôtelière de Lausanne, founded in 1893). The engagement featured thought-provoking exchanges, actionable insights, and a strong emphasis on harmonizing curriculum frameworks with dynamic industry demands.

 

The Mumbai edition drew strong participation from academicians, institutional heads, and sectoral experts from industries spanning diverse sectors, including Manufacturing, IT, Animation, Food and Beverage, Hospitality, and BFSI. Aimed at strengthening the ties between India’s educational institutions and the evolving industry ecosystem, the initiative is designed to align educators and industry leaders to contribute positively towards the future readiness of India’s workforce.

 

The session was headlined by Mr Praveen Roy, Advisor, Confederation of Indian Industry; Mr Kanav Mata, Director and Regional Head (South Asia, Myanmar & Middle East), EHL; Mr Nilesh Mitra, Vice President, Talent Management, ITC Hotels Limited; Mr. Ashank Desai, Managing Director, Mastek Limited; Mr Raj Kishan Mallavarapu, Chief Human Resources Officer, Rich Products Corporation; and Mr. Sridhar Sarathy, Chief Ethics Officer & Head – Sustainability & CSR, Tata Capital Limited.

 

Mr Nilesh Mitra, Vice President - Talent Management, ITC Hotels, said, “Bridging the gap between academia and industry is essential to building a future-ready workforce, especially in dynamic sectors like hospitality. ITC is proud to partner with CII and EHL in this initiative, reaffirming our commitment to building a future-ready, skilled workforce that will drive sustainable growth and innovation across sectors.”

 

Mr Praveen Roy, Advisor, CII, said, “The core purpose of this initiative is to bridge the persistent gap between what education imparts and what industry truly needs. By bringing academia and industry leaders together, we aim to create a collaborative ecosystem that nurtures talent equipped with relevant skills, ensuring that India’s workforce is not only employable but future-ready in a rapidly changing global landscape.”

 

Over 65 senior representatives from academia and Industry reiterated the need to strengthen the connection between education and employment across the country, ensuring that academic output aligns with industrial demands so that our economy benefits from a robust, future-ready and skilled workforce.

 

Building on the remarkable success of the VET by EHL Swiss Professional Diploma Programme, which trained over 800 students across 10 ITC Hotels in India and achieved 100% placement with top hospitality brands, the CII Industry-Academia Connect 2025 is now poised to further strengthen industry-academia collaboration.

Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, price band set at ₹380/- to ₹400/- per Equity Sha

( L-R) Mr. Varun Agarwal, Joint Managing Director and Padam Kumar Agarwala, Chairman and Managing Director, Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Limited’s at their IPO Press Conference held in Mumbai today.

 

Mumbai, June 19, 2025: Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Limited has fixed the price band of ₹380/- to ₹400/- per Equity Share of face value ₹2/- each for its maiden initial public offer.

 

The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, for subscription and close on Thursday, June 26, 2025. Investors can bid for a minimum of 37 Equity Shares and in multiples of 37 Equity Shares thereafter.

 

The IPO is a mix of fresh issue of up to Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale up to 56,56,565 equity shares by Padam Kumar Agarwala, and up to 56,56,565 equity shares by Varun Agarwal.

 

The proceeds from the fresh issue to the extent of Rs 210 crore will be used for repayment/prepayment, in full or in part, of certain outstanding borrowings availed by the Company; Rs 104.50 crore for setting up of an air separation unit at its Uluberia-II plant with a capacity of 220 TPD; and general corporate purposes.

Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases is one of the oldest operating industrial gases companies in India, with a rich legacy of over 50 years. (Source: F&S Report) It manufactures and supplies industrial gases including oxygen, carbon dioxide, acetylene, nitrogen, helium, hydrogen, argon and nitrous oxide, as well as dry ice, synthetic air, firefighting gases, medical oxygen, liquid petroleum gas, welding mixture and speciality gases catering to a wide range of end-use industries. It is one of the important manufacturers of industrial gases in East India and South India, and the market leader in the states of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, each in terms of installed manufacturing capacity, as of March 31, 2025. (Source: F&S Report)

Its service include project engineering services, that it leverage its extensive technical know-how for the design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of tonnage air separation units ("ASUs") and related projects on a turnkey basis for customers across several sectors. It also offers turnkey solutions involving medical gas pipeline systems, where it assists healthcare facilities in designing, installing, commissioning, operation and maintenance of medical gas pipeline systems. In addition, it supplies its products and medical equipment to healthcare facilities, that includes anaesthesia workstation, spirometers, ventilators, sterilizers, bed-side monitors, and lung diffusion testing machines.

It has a robust distribution network, with the third highest number of transport tankers, cylinders and customer installations in India. (Source: F&S Report)

Its portfolio includes public and private entities, such Jairaj Ispat Limited, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited, Laurus Labs Limited, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, West Bengal Medical Services Corporation Limited, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, GMM Pfaudler Limited, and Air India Engineering Services Limited, Jupiter Wagons Limited, Hindustan Shipyard Limited. Further, it supplies products to the Indian armed forces, including, at the Indian Air Force bases in East, South and West India, the Eastern Naval Command bases and multiple Government-owned laboratories. It also supplies products to multiple railway workshops and railways hospitals across East and South India.

It has a diversified customer base, and in Fiscal 2025 it sold its products to 1,829 customers. It operates nine facilities across East, South and Central India, of which five facilities are located in West Bengal, two in Andhra Pradesh, one in Telangana and one in Chhattisgarh, as of March 31, 2025.

 

Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases’ revenue from operations increased 15.96% from Rs 269.48 crore in Fiscal 2024 to Rs 312.48 crore in Fiscal 2025, primarily due to increases in the sale of manufactured products and revenue from construction contracts. Profit after tax increased by 83.91% from Rs 45.29 crore for Fiscal 2024 to Rs 83.29 crore for Fiscal 2025.

Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors Limited, IIFL Capital Services Limited, JM Financial Limited are the book-running lead managers, and KFin Technologies Limited is the registrar of the issue.

 

The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the net offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% of the offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional investors, and not less than 35% of the offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual bidders.

 

Notes for Reference:

Issue Size of the IPO based on the upper and lower end of the price band

	Fresh	OFS (11,313,130 equity shares)	Total
Lower Band (@Rs 380)	Rs 400 crore	Rs 429.90 crore	Rs 829.90 crore
Upper Band (@Rs 400)	Rs 400 crore	Rs 452.53 crore	Rs 852.53 crore

 

PIB Mumbai conducts media workshop titled ‘Varta’ on the theme ‘Eleven Years of Inclusive Growth’

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

PIB makes credible, verified information about Central Government decisions and schemes available to mass media and public at large: DG (West Zone), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ms. Smita Vats Sharma

Citizens should share correct information for NSO field surveys as capturing credible data for socio-economic parameters is important for formulating policies: Deputy Director-General, NSO, Ms. Supriya Roy

: Mumbai, June 18, 2025

Press Information Bureau (PIB), Mumbai Region, conducted a media workshop - ‘Varta’ on the themse ‘Eleven Years of Inclusive Growth’ for mediapersons, at Navi Mumbai today.  Senior officers from the National Statistics Office (NSO) and Department of Economics and Statistics (DES), Government of Maharashtra, participated in the workshop as key speakers and deliberated on the significance of data-driven policy-making to bring about ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.

Delivering the keynote address, Director General (West Zone), Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, highlighted the key role being played by PIB in making credible, verified information about policies, programmes, welfare schemes and key decisions of the Central Government available to mass media and public at large. The DG (West Zone), Ministry of I & B, explained to media persons as to how PIB functions to make authentic information, in the form of press releases, explainers, backgrounders, research articles available to media-persons in all regional languages. A huge repertoire of information related to progress in various socio-economic aspects in the last eleven years (Eleven Years of Inclusive Growth) has been made available by PIB in its website. The Director-General informed that PIB Mumbai Region brings out all press releases in the regional language Marathi for the benefit of regional mediapersons. PIB Mumbai also caters significant information from the Central Government through its official social media accounts in Marathi and English, so as to amplify the reach to citizens.

Director-General (West Zone), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Smt. Smita Vats Sharma addressing at Varta- Media Workshop in Navi Mumbai

 

Smt. Supriya Roy, Deputy Director General, National Statistics Office, Field Operations Division, Mumbai, stated about the importance of data in public policy-making. Smt. Roy urged the media persons to raise awareness about the works done by NSO in collecting data through conducting large scale all-India sample surveys for creating the database needed for studying the impact of specific problems for the benefit of different population groups in diverse socio-economic areas, such as employment, consumer expenditure, housing conditions and environment, literacy levels, health, nutrition, family welfare, etc.  The DDG, NSO-FOD, Mumbai Smt. Roy highlighted that that one major challenge faced by the National Sample Survey Office (NSO) in conducting surveys is the non-cooperation of individuals, particularly from certain segments of the population, who refuse to share data. This refusal can lead to incomplete or biased datasets, hindering the accuracy and reliability of survey results. Hence, mass-media may play an important role in spreading awareness about the importance of capturing credible data across various socio-economic parameters for formulating policies for welfare schemes and decisions of the government, she added. Smt. Roy also informed about the e- Sankhyiki Portal (https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in/  ) which provides India's Official Statistics like Economic Census, Macro-indicators and a Data Catalogue. Smt. Bhagyashree Sathe, Director, NSO-FOD Mumbai stated that data collection about India’s informal sector, which earlier was a big challenge, is being done on an annual basis for the last three years. A survey on how much time people are spending over phone and social media has been taken up by NSO between January to December 2024, she informed.  Smt. Savita C. Dixit, Joint Director, DES, and Shri Bhushan Deshpande, Deputy Director, DES, in their presentation highlighted how the department conducts survey at district level for collection, validation and dissemination of multi-sectoral data. The media can play a vital role to make the country’s statistical system to mature by urging people and creating awareness of sharing authentic data in such surveys, stated the DES officers.

Deputy Director General, NSO-FOD Mumbai, Smt. Supriya Roy, addressing mediapersons at PIB’s media workshop titled ‘Varta’ at Navi Mumbai

Smt. Bhagyashree Sathe, Director, NSO-FOD Mumbai, speaking in a session on data-governance At PIB Mumbai’s media workshop ‘Varta’ at Navi Mumbai

The mediapersons also raised their queries about Journalist Welfare Scheme, PIB’s outreach activities, accreditation of media persons, among other issues discussed in the interactive session. PIB Mumbai officers present on the occasion included Shri Sayyid Rabeehashmi, Director, PIB, and Smt. Jayadevi Pujari Swami, Deputy Director, PIB. Smt. Nikita Joshi, Assistant Director, PIB, delivered the vote of thanks. A presentation on the organizational structural of PIB and how it works all 365 days to disseminate authentic information of the Union Government, with a special focus on PIB in Maharashtra-Goa Region was delivered by Ms Sriyanka Chatterjee, Media and Communication Officer and Shri Edgar Coelho, Information Assistant, PIB

“Salakaar” Premieres August 15 on JioHotstar – A Riveting Drama of Intelligence, Sacrifice, and Patriotism

~ Directed by Faruk Kabir and Produced by Sphereorigins and Mahir Films, Salakaar premieres this Independence Day, only on JioHotstar ~

Mumbai, June 12, 2025: Salakaar is a high-stakes spy thriller where the past and present collide with devastating consequences. Set across two timelines, the series follows a young Indian spy on a covert mission that uncovers hidden truths and national secrets. Inspired by real events, Salakaar tells the story of a decorated spymaster who, driven by sheer mettle and crucial intelligence, successfully disarms enemy forces to safeguard national security. With layers of intrigue, action, and patriotism, Salakaar brings a powerful narrative of courage and sacrifice to the screen, only on JioHotstar on August 15.

Alok Jain, JioStar, said, At JioHotstar, we are committed to shaping an entertainment ecosystem that reflects the evolving preferences of India’s diverse audience and Salakaar embodies that perfectly. We are proud to bring a story that is both emotionally resonant and cinematically ambitious. We continue to support stories that challenge convention while staying rooted in powerful human truths. I’m thankful to the entire team who dedicated their precious years to bringing this to audiences this Independence Day.”

Faruk Kabir, director and co-writer, said, “Salakaar is not just a spy thriller, it’s a deeply emotional narrative about fractured legacies and the cost of silence. We’re looking at espionage not only as a mission but as a burden, as a debt that passes from one generation to another.”

Sunjoy Waddhwa, Chairman & Managing Director, Sphereorigins said, “With Salakaar, we wanted to push the boundaries of spy thrillers in India - this is an incredible story, it is layered, relevant and emotionally sharp. We’ve found great partners in JioHotstar to bring this tale to life and are looking forward to Aug 15 when the audiences get a chance to watch Salakaar.”

Mahir Khan, Proprietor Mahir Films, added, “We at Mahir Films have been looking forward to telling the world about Salakaar and the phenomenal story that it is, filled with courage, thrill, vulnerability and so much more. Together with Sphereorigins and JioHotstar, we aspire to bring forth an all-consuming spy thriller to the audiences.”

The launch of Salakaar builds on JioHotstar’s momentum following the success of genre-defining shows such as Criminal Justice: A Family Matter and the recent announcement of Special Ops Season 2. It is a reflection of the platform’s continued commitment to creating content that evolves with India’s changing tastes, pushing boundaries in scale, storytelling, and cultural relevance.

Salakaar will premiere on JioHotstar from August 15th!

About JioHotstar 

JioHotstar is one of India’s leading streaming platforms, formed through the coming together of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. With an unparalleled content catalogue, innovative technology, and a commitment to accessibility, JioHotstar aims to redefine entertainment for everyone across India."

The War is Digital. The Threat is Invisible. But the protector remains the same. Himmat Singh Returns in Special Ops 2, Streaming July 11 on JioHotstar

~ Produced by Friday Storytellers and created by Neeraj Pandey, Special Ops 2 is set to redefine modern-day espionage on JioHotstar ~

 

Watch the trailer HERE

 

Mumbai, June 16th, 2025  - When the enemy hides behind screens and strikes without a sound, only one man can decode the chaos - Himmat Singh. JioHotstar unveiled the explosive trailer of Special Ops Season 2, reigniting the nation’s love for high-stakes storytelling that blends real-world relevance with blockbuster intensity. With Kay Kay Menon reprising his iconic role as R&AW officer Himmat Singh, the new season promises a deeper, darker, and more urgent mission than ever before.

 

Set in a volatile geopolitical landscape, Special Ops 2 mirrors the heightened security anxieties of our times where wars are no longer fought solely on battlegrounds, but in the cloud, and the enemy is embedded in everyday life. As coordinated cyber breaches threaten national stability, Himmat and his elite squad are thrust into a silent war, one without warning, smoke, or visible scars, but with consequences that strike at the very soul of the nation. 

 

Directed by Shivam Nair, the season features a stellar ensemble cast including Prakash Raj, Vinay Pathak, Karan Tacker, Saiyami Kher, Muzammil Ibrahim, Gautami Kapoor, Parmeet Sethi, and Kali Prasad Mukherjee among others - each bringing intensity and nuance to the world of Special Ops 2.

 

With his trusted team by his side, Himmat races against time to stop a faceless adversary one who plays by no rules, leaves no trace, and is always one step ahead. Featuring a fresh new antagonist portrayed by Tahir Raj Bhasin, and powered by a global scale, layered intrigue, and razor-sharp performances, Special Ops Season 2 sets the stage for a gripping July 11 release. This time, the battlefield is everywhere!

 

Alok Jain, JioStar, said, “With Special Ops 2, we continue our commitment to delivering sharp, genre-defining storytelling that is bold, disruptive, and deeply meaningful. This season isn’t just the return of an iconic franchise it’s a timely, cinematic response to cyber threats and the

complex digital battleground that surrounds us today. At JioHotstar, we’re focused on bringing

impactful narratives that matter stories that resonate with audiences and reflect the world

we live in.”

 

Creator Neeraj Pandey said, "This season reflects the times we live in, where the enemy doesn’t announce their arrival. The new-age warfare has altered everything we know about threat, security, and sacrifice. Special Ops 2 is about the war we don't see, until it hits home. It’s a reminder that in today’s world, the greatest battles are fought without a single bullet fired, but the damage runs just as deep.”

 

Versatile Actor Kay Kay Menon who is portraying the iconic character of Himmat Singh said, "Himmat Singh has always fought with grit, intellect, and instinct. But this time, the war isn’t visible. The stakes are bigger, the threats more unpredictable and that made this season both relevant and deeply personal to portray. There’s a quiet burden Himmat carries of duty, of sacrifice, of knowing more than he can say. This chapter allowed me to explore not just the strategist, but the man behind the mission, the father, the patriot, the constant protector.”

 

Director Shivam Nair adds, “With Special Ops 2.0, we’ve truly raised the bar—in scale, storytelling, and intensity. This season dives into a world where intelligence operations collide with the fast-changing landscape of AI, digital warfare, and cybersecurity. It’s not just thrilling—it’s timely. Reuniting with Neeraj Pandey has been creatively rewarding, and together, we’ve built something that feels both urgent and cinematic. We’re thrilled to partner with JioHotstar once again to bring this gripping new chapter to audiences.”

 

Vinay Pathak, Actor – Abbas Sheikh, “The danger in Special Ops 2 doesn’t come with explosions, it creeps in through the everyday. That’s what makes this season so powerful. It shows us how vulnerable we really are in a hyperconnected world. As an actor, portraying Abbas again felt like coming home but with higher stakes. Balancing his wit with the weight of what’s at risk this time made the journey all the more meaningful."

 

Karan Tacker, Farooq Ali, “Farooq has evolved and so has the mission. This season forced us to think beyond guns and disguises. The tension lies in not knowing where the next hit will come from because the enemy is invisible. I’m incredibly proud to be back, and grateful to Neeraj Pandey and JioHotstar for pushing the boundaries of Indian storytelling with such fearless ambition."

 

Tahir Raj Bashin, Antagonist “Joining the world of Special Ops has been an electricfying adrenalin rush. This role pushed me emotionally and physically, and I’m grateful to Neeraj Pandey and JioHotstar for the trust. Speaking of the character, what makes this antagonist exciting to portray is how layered and rooted in the real world he is. He doesn’t need guns, he uses code, data, and people’s blind trust. That’s what makes him truly dangerous! He doesn’t belong to fiction, he exists in the world we live in today”.

 

 

The war is silent, the danger is real, and the clock is ticking. Watch Special Ops 2 unfold on JioHotstar, streaming from July 11

About JioHotstar

JioHotstar is one of India’s leading streaming platforms, formed through the coming together of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. With an unparalleled content catalogue, innovative technology, and a commitment to accessibility, JioHotstar aims to redefine entertainment for everyone across India."

Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Narayan Rane inaugurates The WOArchitect Career Conclave (WCC) 2025, India’s first-ever architectural career conclave WCC 2025 supported by CREDAI-MCHI

 

Shri Narayan Rane, MP, inaugurates WCC 2025 amid an inspiring exchange with India’s next generation of architects

Mumbai, June 14, 2025 – The WOArchitect Career Conclave (WCC) 2025, India’s first-ever conclave dedicated solely to career opportunities in architecture, concluded today at the NESCO Centre, Mumbai, with an enthusiastic turnout of over 700 registered participants from across the country—including students, architects, professionals, corporates, employers, design studios, architectural firms, educational institutions, and exhibitors. The day-long event, supported by CREDAI-MCHI, was inaugurated by Shri Narayan Rane, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, who commended the initiative for addressing the long-overlooked gap in structured career guidance for architects in India.

Shri Narayan Rane, Hon’ble Member of Parliament highlighted, “Alongside my political journey, I have consistently focused on personal growth and entrepreneurship from the age of 15. While I do not hold a formal degree in architecture, my hands-on experience in business has been invaluable. Relying solely on jobs may not lead to real progress—building businesses is just as crucial for the growth of our state and our nation. I urge the youth not to limit themselves by budgets or job expectations but to pursue entrepreneurship with courage, knowledge, and creativity. By learning continuously, meeting diverse people, and reading extensively, we can unlock innovation and elevate Indian architecture on the global stage.”

He further added, “I have reserved 1400 acres of land in Sindhudurg to invite 500 to 1000 companies and create over 1 lakh employment opportunities. I am working tirelessly to transform Konkan into a vibrant hub of innovation—our very own California—by adopting modern techniques and infrastructure. By learning continuously, meeting diverse people, and reading extensively, we can unlock innovation and elevate Indian architecture on the global stage.”

Conceptualized and curated by Ar. Milind Surve and Ar. Snehal Jagdale Surve—Directors at Alternate Angle and Alternate Angle Academy and Co-Founders of WOArchitect—the conclave presented a transformative platform to explore career trajectories beyond conventional practice. From technology and research to legal frameworks, education, and content creation, the event showcased emerging and diverse paths within the profession.

Ar. Milind Surve, Co-Founder of WOArchitect mentioned, “Architecture is no longer confined to traditional practice. With WCC 2025, we wanted to broaden the horizon for young architects and demonstrate that design thinking can be applied across industries. It’s time we reshaped the narrative around architectural careers in India.”

The agenda for the day featured a mix of keynote presentations, expert-led seminars, a vibrant job fair, and higher education showcases. Renowned architects such as Ar. Hrishikesh Phadke, Ar. Rupali Gupte, Ar. Makarand Toraskar, Ar. Amol Shimpi, Ar. Keval Valambhia, and Ar. Sagar Saoji presented valuable insights across topics like techno-legal frameworks, management, research, and architecture in the digital age.

A key highlight was the evening panel discussion, “Navigating Architectural Career Map through Roles, Risks & Rewards,” moderated by Ar. Amita Gore. The panel featured candid insights and thought-provoking narratives around evolving roles in architecture, real-world challenges, and the wide range of rewards that come from exploring unconventional paths.

Commenting on the conclave, Ar. Snehal Jagdale Surve shared, “This conclave is our step toward empowering architects to think beyond a linear path. We wanted to create a space where students and professionals could meet mentors, explore untapped domains, and get the tools they need to craft a meaningful career.”

Mr. Keval Valambhia, COO, CREDAI-MCHI, shared, “CREDAI-MCHI is proud to support a forward-looking initiative like WCC 2025. The conclave plays a crucial role in realigning how we view architectural careers in India. From compliance to creativity, today’s architects must wear many hats—and this platform does an outstanding job of preparing them for that reality.”

With over 15,000 members already engaged through WOArchitect’s online platform, which offers career tests, e-learning, job boards, and entrepreneurial resources, the successful execution of WCC 2025 marks a milestone in expanding its real-world impact.

The conclave has set a new precedent in career-oriented discourse for architecture in India and reaffirmed WOArchitect’s commitment to professional empowerment, innovation, and lifelong learning.

About WOArchitect:

WOArchitect is a professional platform dedicated to helping architects discover career paths, educational opportunities, and a thriving business network. Through its innovative tools and expert-led initiatives, WOArchitect empowers the architecture community to achieve professional excellence.

Under the Visionary Leadership of the Prime Minister, India is making Premium Global Education Available at an Affordable Cost: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

In a Major Initiative Towards Fulfilling NEP 2020 Vision, Letter of Intents (LOIs)  Issued to Five Foreign Universities - University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology, and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy to set-up Campuses in Mumbai.

Mumbai to become a Global Education Capital under the Vision of NEP 2020 : Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

As We Mark Five Years of NEP 2020 Implementation, this Milestone Reflects the Spirit of Sankalp Se Siddhi, Empowering Youth and Driving Innovation-Led Growth Towards Viksit Bharat: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

Courses at UG & PG Level Offered in Areas such as Business, Economics, Computer Science, Public Health, Data Science, Design, and Many More

Mumbai, 14th June 2025

The Ministry of Education has taken a major step towards realizing the goals of internationalization of education as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.  In a ceremonial event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ held in Mumbai, Letters of Intent (LoIs) were issued to five globally reputed universities from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States of America and Italy.

The establishment of the branch campuses of University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology and Instituto Europeo Di Design (IED), Italy, reflects a deep and growing trust in India’s education ecosystem and is a major milestone as we mark five transformative years of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The handing of the LOIs took place in the august presence of Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan; Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, Shri Chandrakant Patil,  Principal Secretary, Government  of Maharashtra, Shri Aseem Gupta and Secretary, Department of Higher Education & Chairman, UGC, Dr. Vineet Joshi.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis said that the swift issuance of LoIs reflects the speed and commitment of the Government. He thanked the PM for NEP 2020 which has a provision for foreign universities to be a part of Indian education sector. The five universities, he noted, have added immense value to the State and NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for top global institutions to establish campuses in India. He further stated that talented Indian students who faced accessibility and affordability issues in pursuing foreign education can now do so in India at reduced costs. The Government aims to make accessible, global quality education across various domains and further talks are ongoing with 5 more universities, he stated.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that NEP 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, offering premium education at an affordable cost. He added that with this initiative, we aim to realize the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of positioning India as a global knowledge hub. India is encouraging top international universities to establish campuses here, while empowering Indian Higher education institutions to expand globally.

He further added that this initiative reflects a growing two-way movement of ideas, talent and trust. India is not just participating in global education ecosystem; we are shaping it. Shri Pradhan said that Maharashtra’s leadership in enterprise and intellect and with Mumbai Educity emerging as a city where finance and technology meet education and research, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai will bridge Indian aspirations and global excellence. He further said that we are not just inviting foreign universities; we are co-creating ecosystems of innovation, entrepreneurship and research. As we mark five years of implementing the NEP 2020, this milestone exemplifies the spirit of Sankalp se Siddhi, the journey from resolution to realization. It strengthens our shared goal of empowering youth and enabling innovation-led growth through education leading to Viksit Bharat.

The LoIs handed over today allow the universities to establish their offshore branch campus in India. All five universities from UK, USA, Australia and Italy, receiving the LoIs are ranked among the top 500 in the QS World University Rankings, signifying strong global academic credibility. The University of Western Australia will establish two campuses, one each in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai and Chennai, reflecting the growing confidence of top institutions in India’s regulatory and academic landscape.

This is the first-time foreign universities will establish a presence in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai, with some expected to set up campuses in the upcoming Education City in Navi Mumbai under the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023. The establishment of these university campuses in India will be beneficial for students, in terms of extending global course curriculum and study opportunities in India and for research, knowledge exchange, enterprise and engagement. Courses at the Mumbai/Navi Mumbai/Chennai campus will be offered at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels in areas such as business, economics, computer science, public health, data science, design, and more. These are the disciplines that will drive India’s development in the years ahead and shape the workforce of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ The universities will launch more courses in the subsequent years of its operations in India.

Secretary, Department of Higher Education & Chairman, UGC, Dr. Vineet Joshi,  in his address emphasized the enabling role of the Ministry of Education and UGC in ensuring internationalization of education and introducing enabling regulations to support this goal by opening up avenues for collaboration and giving wings to the aspirations of India’s vast and dynamic talent pool. He further highlighted the transparent, time-bound process of evaluating proposals from foreign universities through a digital portal, also noting that approvals were granted within a record timeframe of just one month. Shri Joshi, welcomed the foreign partners in the ‘Study in India’ initiative not just as collaborators, but as valued members of our academic community.

Also present were senior officials of the Union Ministry of Education, Union Ministry of External Affairs, Government of Maharashtra and the University Grants Commission, alongside dignitaries from the High Commissions & Consulates and representatives from foreign universities, including:

• Ms Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India
• Mr. Paul Murphy, Consul General of Australia
• Mr. Mike Hankey, Consul General of the United States of America
• Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy
• Shri Vijay Singhal, Managing Director, CIDCO
• Shri Ashwin Damera, Founder, Eruditus Executive Education

The representatives from High Commissions, Consulates, and Foreign Universities welcomed the Government of India’s visionary move under NEP 2020 to allow offshore campuses. They appreciated the speed and commitment shown in issuing the Letters of Intent. Speakers from the UK, USA, Australia, and Italy highlighted education as a bridge between nations and expressed pride in being part of India’s rising global education story. From design to technology, they committed to bringing the same academic excellence to India.

NEP 2020 places a strong emphasis on attaining the highest global standards in higher education quality. It highlights the need for “internationalization at home” and promotes India as a global study destination. With the current round of approvals, the UGC has now issued a total of seven Letters of Intent (LoIs), including the previously cleared institutions such as the University of Southampton and the University of Liverpool from the United Kingdom to set-up offshore branch campuses in India. It is important to note that Deakin University and the University of Wollongong from Australia were the first foreign institutions to start operations in India, at GIFT City, Gujarat, under the IFSCA regulations.

The 2023 UGC regulations enabling foreign universities to set up campuses in India are only one part of a broader internationalization vision. Parallelly, Indian institutions are going global. IIT Delhi has launched a campus in Abu Dhabi, IIT Madras in Tanzania and IIM Ahmedabad is gearing up to establish a presence in Dubai.  Further Indian universities can now form academic collaborations with foreign counterparts through joint, dual and twinning degree programmes and the recently notified Equivalence Regulations that provides a mechanism for recognition and grant of equivalence to qualifications obtained from foreign educational institutions.

This development, aligned with the five-year celebration of NEP 2020, highlights India’s commitment to creating a globally competitive and inclusive higher education ecosystem.