Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary Inaugurates AI-Powered Apparel Center of Excellence in Baghpat
New Delhi, 20 March, 2026: In a significant move to empower rural youth with cutting-edge technology, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, inaugurated the Chaudhary Ajit Singh Center of Excellence (CoE) for Design and Fashion Technology in Baghpat on March 19, 2026.
Established by the Apparel, Made-ups and Home Furnishing Sector Skill Council (AMHSSC), this ₹5 crore facility spans 9,000 square feet and aims to transform the textile landscape of Western Uttar Pradesh.
The highlight of this Center of Excellence is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into traditional craftsmanship. The facility is equipped with:
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AI-Based Sewing Machines: Out of 43 modern machines, 8 are powered by AI. These “smart” machines can automatically detect fabric type and thickness, adjusting sewing settings in real-time. The AI integration ensures faster production speeds, a significant reduction in human error, and minimal fabric wastage.
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The lab features CAD-CAM systems and 3D design software for digital pattern making and precision auto-cutting.
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Digital workstations and computerized embroidery units provide a high-tech environment that mimics a modern industrial factory.
Minister Jayant Chaudhary emphasized that the apparel sector is one of India’s largest employers, providing jobs to approximately 8 million people annually. This center is designed to be a bridge between rural talent and industrial demand.
Key Employment Benefits:
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Specialized Courses: Eight initial courses have been launched, ranging from Sewing Machine Operation to advanced Fashion Designing and AI-based programming.
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Women’s Empowerment: AMHSSC CEO Ashish Srivastava highlighted that the center is specifically tailored to empower rural women, providing them with the technical confidence to transition from laborers to entrepreneurs.
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MSME Support: By training a skilled workforce, the center will help local Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) adopt modern technologies, making them more competitive in the global market.
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Self-Reliance: The initiative focuses on making rural youth “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliant) by providing them with skills that are immediately relevant to the future of the fashion industry.
“This center is a major step toward linking skill development with new technologies. It will open new doors for employment, entrepreneurship, and innovation for rural youth.” — Shri Jayant Chaudhary
