Maruti Suzuki India Ltd aims to increase the proportion of female students at its Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) in Haryana’s Uncha Majra from the current 5% to 30% by 2028-29, the company said in a statement on Monday.
He added that the tuition fee waiver was being introduced to encourage more women to consider manufacturing as a career. JIM Uncha Majra offers courses in nine trades, primarily focused on the automotive sector. The institute is among four JIMs established by Maruti Suzuki in collaboration with the governments of India and Japan. The other three are located in Mehsana and Gandhinagar in Gujarat and Sonipat in Haryana. With this vision, we are committed to increasing women’s participation in manufacturing. The institute has also continued to perform strongly in state-level examinations. One of these toppers was a girl student.
To fulfil this target, the company said it has introduced a 100% tuition fee waiver for women students from the current academic year and is planning a dedicated hostel for female trainees. “To have a 360-degree completeness of skills, diversity is important.
It also plans to increase women’s representation among faculty and support staff at the institute, the company said. many remain unaware of the opportunities available in the manufacturing sector or have not considered it as a career choice,” said Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer, corporate affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd While talented women are present across the country. “We believe this initiative will encourage more young women to pursue careers in manufacturing and participate in the growth of India’s industrial workforce,” he said. JIM Uncha Majra students secured top ranks in four trades this year, with students from the institute occupying all three top positions in two of those trades, according to Maruti Suzuki. Bharti said the performance of female students at the institute demonstrated the potential for greater participation of women in manufacturing. “We are encouraged that two female students from JIM Uncha Majra emerged as Haryana state toppers in manufacturing trades this year, demonstrating the immense potential of women in this field,” Bharti said.
New Hostel Set to Expand Opportunities for Female Students
Manisha, a student at the institute who achieved 91% in the state exam, highlighted the inclusive and safe environment of the institution, stating it offers valuable opportunities for women, particularly those from rural areas, to gain independence. The upcoming hostel on campus is expected to encourage more families to support their daughters in joining the institute.
The JIM programme, affiliated with the National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) in India and accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), provides vocational training that aligns with advanced manufacturing needs. Its Dual System of Training combines classroom education with practical industry exposure, requiring students to complete seven months of paid training each year.
This structure not only offers hands-on experience but also allows students to earn while they learn. The programme emphasizes advanced manufacturing techniques, efficient shop-floor practices based on Japanese principles, and essential soft skills to enhance employability. The institutes are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for practical training in manufacturing.
