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20,000 Sq. Ft. Skill Centre to Be Set Up at AURIC in Tie-Up with CII, MoU Next Week: DPIIT Secretary

20,000 Sq. Ft. Skill Centre to Be Set Up at AURIC in Tie-Up with CII, MoU Next Week: DPIIT Secretary

In a major boost to Maharashtra’s industrial and innovation landscape, a 20,000 square foot Skill Development Centre will soon come up at Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC). The project is being developed in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), with the formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expected to be signed next week.

The announcement was made by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), during his visit to the region on July 12. The centre aims to equip the workforce with industry-relevant skills to support AURIC’s mission of becoming a leading hub for advanced manufacturing, research, and innovation.

DPIIT Focuses on Driving Innovation-Led Growth

During his visit, Shri Bhatia stressed the importance of attracting Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and establishing Research & Development (R&D) units in AURIC. He emphasized that such developments are key pillars of the Viksit Bharat@2047 vision, aimed at making India an innovation-driven economy.

20,000 Sq. Ft. Skill Centre to Be Set Up at AURIC in Tie-Up with CII, MoU Next Week: DPIIT Secretary

His visit included a tour of critical infrastructure and industrial units at Bidkin and Shendra. Companies such as JSW Green-tech Ltd, Toyota Kirloskar, NLMK India, Hyosung T&D, and Coatall Films were among the units he inspected. Shri Bhatia also visited the Water Treatment Plant, Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), and the 3D City Model of Shendra, noting the city’s smart planning and infrastructure readiness.

Stakeholder Consultations Yield Key Industrial Suggestions

A stakeholder consultation session at AURIC Hall saw representatives from prominent industry associations—including CII, MASSIA, CMIA, FICCI, and ASSOCHAM—presenting several policy suggestions aimed at accelerating regional industrial growth. Some of the major proposals included:

  • Improved connectivity to Hyderabad and Chennai
  • A new Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility
  • Vande Bharat terminal at Bidkin and enhanced logistics access
  • Local train service between Jalna and Waluj
  • Affordable housing via MHADA with integration into PMAY 2.0
  • Creation of a chemical manufacturing zone
  • Increased MSME land allocation from 10% to 40%
  • Reserving 10% of land exclusively for startups
  • Strengthening soft infrastructure and skill development programs

Dr. P. Anbalagan, Secretary, Industries Department, Government of Maharashtra, shared insights into the State’s industrial strategy, highlighting initiatives like the Maharashtra Industrial Township Ltd (MITL) and the upcoming Multi-Modal Logistics Park (MMLP).

Focus on Startups and Entrepreneurship

Shri Bhatia began his visit with a stop at the Marathwada Accelerator for Growth and Incubation Council (MAGIC), where he engaged with local startups and incubators. Applauding the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region, he assured continued government support through initiatives like Startup India, the Fund of Funds, and incentive packages designed for Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

About AURIC: India’s First Industrial Smart City

Aurangabad Industrial City (AURIC), developed under the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), spans 10,000 acres across the Shendra and Bidkin regions. Designed as a model smart industrial city, AURIC follows a balanced land-use ratio with 60% of its area earmarked for industrial purposes and 40% for residential, commercial, and institutional zones.

20,000 Sq. Ft. Skill Centre to Be Set Up at AURIC in Tie-Up with CII, MoU Next Week: DPIIT Secretary

Key features of AURIC include:

  • Smart utility infrastructure with underground distribution systems
  • Reuse of treated wastewater, covering 42% of water demand
  • Transparent land allotment through an e-land management system
  • In-house electricity distribution license ensuring competitive power tariffs
  • Integrated surveillance and environmental monitoring systems including SCADA and air quality sensors

Moving Ahead: A Unified Vision for Growth

The DPIIT Secretary’s visit marked a strong reaffirmation of the Centre and State’s commitment to accelerating industrial development in Maharashtra. With a strategic focus on skilling, innovation, and infrastructure, AURIC is steadily positioning itself as a global destination for high-tech manufacturing and industrial excellence.

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CET Cell Plans Fee Hike for Maharashtra Entrance Exams

CET Cell Plans Fee Hike for Maharashtra Entrance Exams

The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell in Maharashtra has proposed a revision to the registration fees charged for higher education entrance exams in the state. As per the proposal, students appearing for CET examinations may soon have to pay an additional ₹150 to ₹250. Currently, the application fees vary between ₹500 and ₹1,000, depending on the category and the course. If the proposal is accepted, the revised fee structure will apply to upcoming admission cycles across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Discussing such changes is important because exam fees directly affect lakhs of students who apply for professional courses every year. Many families already spend heavily on coaching, travel, and study materials before even entering college. When an institution proposes a fee hike, it becomes necessary to evaluate whether the additional charges will improve exam administration, technology use, grievance redressal, or simply increase the financial burden.

Students from rural areas and financially weaker backgrounds may find even a small increase challenging. On the other hand, education authorities argue that operational costs have risen significantly due to digital infrastructure, manpower, and exam security measures. As a result, it is essential to understand the reasons behind this proposal and its potential impact on access to higher education.

What Will the New CET Fee Structure Look Like?

  • Current fee range: ₹500–₹1,000
  • Proposed increase: ₹150–₹250
  • New expected fee range: ₹650–₹1,250

The revised fees may be applicable to exams such as:

  • MHT-CET (Engineering and Pharmacy)
  • MBA/MMS CET
  • LAW CET
  • B.Ed., M.Ed., and B.P.Ed admissions
  • MCA, M.Arch, and other professional courses offered in Maharashtra

Why is the CET Cell Proposing the Fee Hike?

According to officials, several factors have led to rising examination expenditure:

  • Increasing use of digital platforms for secure registration and results
  • Higher costs for exam centres, invigilation, technical staff and logistics
  • Implementation of stricter anti-malpractice measures
  • Maintenance of online help desks and grievance systems

The CET Cell claims that the existing fee structure does not adequately cover examination expenses.

Concerns Raised by Students

Many students feel that a fee increase, even if small, could affect affordability:

  • Students from low-income families may struggle to pay higher fees
  • Multiple exam applications make the cost even higher
  • Rural students already spend on travel and internet facilities

Several education activists believe that instead of increasing fees, the state should offer subsidies or concessions to economically weaker students.

Will There Be Concessions for Reserved Categories?

Although the proposal does not mention separate concessions yet, it is likely that:

  • Reserved category students may receive reduced fees
  • Economically weaker sections might get partial exemption
  • Special relief may continue for differently abled students

The final decision will depend on government approval.

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