Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: The sixth edition of ‘Lineman Diwas’ was celebrated in New Delhi yesterday by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd. The observance of Lineman Diwas is aimed at acknowledging the tireless dedication and invaluable services of linemen and ground maintenance staff, whose contributions are critical to ensuring the reliable delivery of electricity services across the country.

The event was graced by Shri Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy of India.  Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary(Power) delivered the keynote address. Shri Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA and Members of CEA along with senior leaders and distinguished stakeholders from across the power sector.

Around 250 linemen and supervisors from over 66 State and private power distribution and generation companies, along with transmission licensees across India, participated in the event. The gathering provided a platform to share experiences, discuss operational challenges in maintaining uninterrupted power supply, and exchange insights on safety practices while promoting collaborative learning among participants.

The programme commenced with the administration of a safety pledge and participants affirmed their commitment to follow safety practices and remain vigilant in order to protect themselves, their families, and society at large.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shripad Yesso Naik said that Lineman Diwas, observed during National Safety Week, acknowledges the dedication of frontline power sector workers who ensure uninterrupted electricity supply across the country. He emphasised the need to strengthen safety culture at the workplace through consistent use of personal protective equipment, proper shutdown confirmation before undertaking maintenance work, and regular capacity-building and training.

He further highlighted that the adoption of modern technologies such as smart grids, real-time monitoring systems, AI-enabled predictive maintenance, and drone-based inspections can help identify potential faults in advance and minimise risk to field personnel. Referring to the theme of the sixth edition of Lineman Diwas — ‘Seva, Suraksha, Swabhiman’ — he said it reflects the spirit of service, safety, and dignity of the power sector’s frontline workforce.

Referring to linemen as the warriors of the power sector, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary(Power) observed that during harsh weather or natural disasters, when people remain indoors, linemen step out to restore electricity and ensure continuity of power supply. He noted that despite increasing automation in the sector, it is the linemen on the ground who ultimately restore systems and keep the network running. He emphasised that all field personnel should be equipped with standardised safety kits and tools.

He also urged power utilities to institutionalise safety awareness by making it mandatory to show a short safety video and conduct safety drills as part of the daily routine before the start of each shift.

Speaking at the event, Sh. Ghanshyam Prasad, Chairperson, CEA, highlighted that a resilient and dependable power sector is a key pillar of a developed nation and acknowledged the tireless efforts of linemen who work in challenging conditions to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.

He noted that Lineman Diwas has evolved into a nationwide movement with growing participation from utilities across the country, reflecting increasing recognition of the vital role linemen play in nation-building. He emphasised that recognition must be accompanied by stronger protection and empowerment for these frontline workers.

Highlights of the event:

1. Release of a special Lineman Geet dedicated to the courage, and invaluable contribution of linemen who work tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted power supply across the country.

2.   Release of Launch of a ‘Safety Pocketbook’ for linemen containing essential safety guidelines and precautions to be followed while carrying out field operations, aimed at strengthening safety awareness and promoting safe working practices.

3. Introduction of a safety awareness video highlighting the risks associated with lightning and the precautions to be followed by field personnel during such conditions.

4.   High Performing Discoms and High Performing Lineman was felicitated with Award to recognize their efforts in keeping safe and secure power sector.

5.   A special display of safety equipment, and advanced tools was organised to facilitate hands-on learning and experience-sharing.

The event was also live telecasted across power utilities nationwide, enabling wider participation and collective observance.

New Delhi: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu graced and addressed the event organised by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development in New Delhi today (March 8, 2026). This national-level event was organised to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across diverse fields and reaffirm the collective commitment towards gender equality, safety, dignity and empowerment of women.

Addressing the gathering, the President said that women are playing leading role in every field—education, administration, judiciary, military, medicine, science, technology, arts and entrepreneurship. Women in rural areas are becoming financially self-reliant through Self-Help Groups. They are providing leadership to rural development in panchayats. Many women are leveraging their abilities and capabilities to provide leadership in industry, startups and the corporate world. They are excelling in sports too. Such examples instil confidence that, given the opportunities and support, women can achieve excellence in every field.

The President said that India is rapidly moving towards women-led development. Over the past decade, strong foundation has been laid for removing barriers in the path of women. India has achieved gender parity in school education. Even in higher education, the number of female students is higher in terms of Gross Enrolment Ratio. Women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education is rapidly increasing. The Union Budget 2026-27 provides for the establishment of a women’s hostel in each district to help STEM students continue their studies. Our daughters are getting ready for leadership roles in the knowledge economy.

The President said that women are emerging as job creators. More than half of the start-ups receiving support under Start-up India scheme have at least one female director. More than two lakh women-owned MSMEs are currently active on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). The SHE-Mart initiative, launched in the Union Budget 2026-27, will provide better markets for products made by self-help groups and rural women. The labour codes implemented last year aim to provide a more inclusive, safe and empowering work environment for women workers.

The President said that despite numerous efforts toward women’s empowerment, many obstacles still remain in their journey of development. For example, even today, many women face problems such as discrimination, unequal pay for equal work and domestic violence. These cannot be addressed solely through legislation. A shift in societal mindset is essential. Only when we move beyond the mindset of gender-based discrimination can we truly establish equality in society.

The President said that to achieve development in the true sense, we must ensure equal participation of women, who constitute nearly half of the country’s population. We have set the goal of making India a developed nation by 2047. For our country to progress rapidly and for realising the full potential of citizens for the national benefit, it is essential that we not only inspire women to dream big but also support them at every step in achieving those dreams. In an environment free from fear and discrimination, women can contribute their best towards nation-building. She said that, on this International Women’s Day, all citizens should pledge to provide education and equal opportunities to every girl, to prioritise the respect and safety of women, and to strive to eliminate all forms of discrimination prevalent in society. By doing so, we can present the ideal of women’s empowerment to the world.

Vinod Bhat

New Delhi: Government of India’s initiative for prioritizing talent development through Training, Up-skilling and Workforce Development Programs under Chips to Startups (C2S) initiative of India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that India has made significant progress in last 04 years itself for its 10-year target of training 85,000 engineers in semiconductor design.

Shri Vaishnaw informed that world-class Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools being supported by Synopsys, Cadence, Siemens, Renesas, Ansys and AMD have been made available in 315 academic institutions across the country. With the help of these tools, students are getting practical experience on designing semiconductor chips. These chips are being fabricated and tested at the Semiconductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, giving students hands-on experience across the entire process from Design to Fabrication, Packaging and Testing. This initiative has evolved into the world’s largest open-access EDA programme, with over 1.85 crore hours of EDA tool usage recorded for chip design training so far, and continuing to grow.

He highlighted that students from universities across the nation from Assam to Gujarat and Kashmir to Kanyakumari are actively participating in semiconductor design. Under Semicon 2.0, this program will be expanded from 315 universities to 500 universities, creating a strong base of skilled engineers across the country.

The minister also noted that as the global semiconductor industry reaches USD 2 trillion, nearly 2 million skilled professionals will be required providing unprecedented job opportunities for India’s youth.

Delhi’s leading institutions playing a key role

Several major educational institutions in the National Capital Region (NCR) are playing an important role in supporting India Semiconductor Mission. These institutions are providing training in semiconductor design, testing, and validation. Key institutions include:

1. Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi

2. National Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi

3. Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi, New Delhi

4. Delhi Technological University, Delhi

5. Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi

6. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

7. Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, Delhi

8. Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, New Delhi

9. DV2JS Innovation LLP, New Delhi

Using advanced EDA tools and training infrastructure, students at these institutions are designing real semiconductor chips, helping India build a strong talent base for its semiconductor ecosystem.

The Government of India, through Semicon 2.0, is committed to promoting semiconductor design, manufacturing, and innovation across the country, with the goal of establishing India as a global hub for semiconductor talent and manufacturing.