Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the Students Advancing Mindsets in AI, Robotics, Technology and Digital Hardware (SAMARTH) initiative at the National Institute of Electronics & Information Technology (NIELIT), Kohima, on November 14. The initiative is designed to empower students with advanced technological skills while promoting financial literacy and fostering youth engagement across the Northeast.
During her visit, the Minister toured an exhibition showcasing innovations by students and startups, and visited the India AI Lab and R&D Cyber Forensics Lab, interacting closely with students and faculty. She also launched the SAMARTH Portal, emphasizing the need for financial awareness among women, particularly in the Northeast. “While Indian women have traditionally managed household finances well, today’s evolving economy demands knowledge of modern financial instruments, such as small savings schemes, stock market options, and collateral-free loans,” she noted. She also highlighted the PM Vatsalya scheme, which enables families to save for children from birth, later converted into provident fund and pension benefits.
Highlighting the importance of early exposure to technology, Sitharaman urged students to develop proficiency in Artificial Intelligence to meet future skill requirements. She praised the Tata Group’s upcoming ATMP semiconductor facility in Assam and requested consideration of similar opportunities in Nagaland. She lauded the Northeast’s readiness for emerging industries, citing the region’s strong skill base and enthusiasm.
Addressing youth engagement, Sitharaman encouraged students to remain united and positive, warning against negative influences such as drugs and bullying. She stressed that the youth will shape India’s future by 2047 and urged them to support each other for a progressive society. On digital learning, she highlighted BharatNet’s expansion of optical fibre connectivity and the nationwide rollout of 5G, extending coverage to rural and remote areas.
Sitharaman also spoke on the region’s economic growth, noting simultaneous development across sectors including coal, cement, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and semiconductors. She emphasized that improved multimodal transport and logistics are breaking longstanding connectivity barriers, enabling industrial expansion without waiting for sequential infrastructure development.
During the event, three AI training kits were unveiled and distributed to student beneficiaries, and an MoU was signed between TSAT and NIELIT. The Minister was accompanied by Nagaland Minister Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Advisors Kropol Vitsu and Kekhrielhoulie Yhome, NIELIT Director General and VC Prof. Madan Mohan Tripathi, Tim McIntosh of TATA Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt. Ltd., and other senior officials. NIELIT Kohima Director L. Lanuwabang delivered the welcome address.
