CSIR–National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, officially inaugurated its newly renovated, state-of-the-art Skill Development Centre on 30 June 2026. The advanced facility was inaugurated by Dr Ashish Lele, Director of CSIR-NCL, alongside Chief Guest Dr Vinay Kumar, Nodal Scientist for the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative (CSIR-HRDC, Ghaziabad), and representatives from the Envalior Team, who sponsored the modernisation project through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. Other key dignitaries present on the occasion included Dr Rajesh Gonnade, NCL Skill Nodal Officer, and Mrs Kanika Goel, Controller of Administration, NCL.
The vision of CSIR-NCL through its Skill Development Program, under the CSIR’s Integrated Skill Initiative (CSIR ISI), is to provide world-class high-end skilling in the national skill ecosystem with an aim to create a high-quality skilled workforce relevant to the current and emerging industry needs in the core competency area of the laboratory. SDP activities are carried out through NCL’s highly experienced scientific staff and state-of-the-art infrastructure.
The upgraded facility is structured as a dedicated, fully integrated centre designed to centralise and advance all skill development and technical training initiatives at NCL. The modernised infrastructure boasts high-tech amenities, including ultra-modern classrooms equipped with interactive smart displays, a digital podium, a dedicated computer classroom, an advanced digital conference room, analytical laboratories, and a centralised Skill Development Programme (SDP) office.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Director Dr Ashish Lele emphasised that the enhanced facilities will provide crucial practical exposure to specialised instruments, improve industrial competency, and foster impactful innovation. Chief Guest Dr Vinay Kumar commended the modern infrastructure, highlighting its alignment with the national vision of the CSIR-Integrated Skill Initiative to enhance scientific skill sets and build sustainable technological capacity.
