Ananya soch: Press Information Bureau Jaipur has organized a six day study tour for a delegation of senior editors and journalists from Rajasthan to Chandigarh and Punjab from 18 to 23 February 2026 . The visit aims to provide first hand exposure to major development projects, flagship schemes, innovation ecosystems and exemplary institutional practices under the Government of India . The initiative is designed to strengthen informed reporting and enhance collaboration between media and administration .

Focus on Health, Infrastructure and Flagship Schemes PGIMER Visit Highlights Ayushman Bharat Implementation .

During the Chandigarh leg of the tour, the delegation is visiting premier national institutions linked with health, education, science, technology, skill development and industrial innovation . A key highlight is the visit to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research where journalists reviewed advanced healthcare services provided under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme . Officials and medical experts briefed the delegation on patient care systems, research advancements, digital health integration and affordable treatment access for beneficiaries .

The delegation is also scheduled to interact with representatives from educational and technological institutions and review ongoing infrastructure and modernization initiatives of the Indian Railways . The tour offers insights into how policy frameworks are translated into on ground impact across sectors .

NIFT Panchkula Showcases Industry Oriented Fashion Education Model 

The delegation visited the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Panchkula where Director Prof Dr Amandeep Singh Grover outlined the institute’s vision, academic architecture and national standing . He emphasized NIFT’s role in nurturing creative leadership and aligning fashion education with global industry trends .

Dr Nikita delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes, national rankings, student engagement models and innovation driven pedagogy . The structured curriculum reflects a strong blend of creativity, research and market orientation .

Robust Scholarship Ecosystem . Saarthak and UDAAN Empower Talent 

The delegation was informed about NIFT’s flagship scholarship schemes . The NIFT Saarthak initiative operates with a corpus of ₹17 crore and provides merit based financial assistance to deserving students . The UDAAN scholarship, supported by ₹1 crore, enables students to participate in international exchange programmes and gain global exposure . These initiatives ensure inclusivity while promoting academic excellence and cross border learning opportunities .

Mandatory Internships and Centralized Placements Ensure Industry Readiness

Discussions also focused on NIFT’s structured and industry integrated academic framework . Students are required to complete two mandatory internships, ensuring hands on exposure and professional readiness . Faculty members maintain regular engagement with industry stakeholders to keep the curriculum aligned with evolving market demands .

The centralized placement process strengthens institutional credibility and student employability . Admission to the institute is conducted through a transparent entrance examination system comprising the General Ability Test and the Creative Ability Test, designed to evaluate analytical and creative competencies .

Cluster Initiative Connects Students with Grassroots Craft Traditions

One of the most engaging segments of the visit was the detailed presentation on the Cluster Initiative by Dr Bharti Pahuja . Under this model, students spend one week living and working with local artisans to understand traditional techniques and contribute through contemporary design inputs . This initiative supports sustainable craft development and community empowerment .

The delegation interacted with artisans showcasing Chamba embroidery from Himachal Pradesh and Dabu printing from Rajasthan . The engagement reflected NIFT’s commitment to preserving India’s rich craft heritage while integrating it with modern design sensibilities .

On the occasion, Shri Ahmed Khan, Media and Communication Officer at Press Information Bureau, Chandigarh, and Shri Ashish Verma, Media and Communication Officer at Press Information Bureau, Jaipur, were present and facilitated institutional interactions .

FDDI Banur Demonstrates Skill Driven Growth in Footwear and Fashion Sectors

The delegation subsequently visited the Footwear Design and Development Institute, Banur, a premier institution under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India . Shri Sandeep Kumar, Academic Head, highlighted the institute’s mandate to deliver quality education and training in footwear design, leather goods, fashion merchandising and retail management .

Assistant Professor Mrs Annu Kumari explained that FDDI offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programmes integrating design innovation with management excellence . Students receive practical exposure through mandatory internships, live industry projects and industrial visits . Equipped with advanced laboratories, design studios and product testing facilities, the institute prepares professionals aligned with global industry standards .

Through research, innovation, entrepreneurship promotion and skill development initiatives, FDDI is contributing significantly to strengthening India’s footwear and fashion ecosystem . Faculty members also demonstrated modern production techniques and material technologies during the interaction .

Strengthening Media Administration Synergy for Transparent Governance

The programme, jointly organized by Press Information Bureau, Jaipur and Press Information Bureau, Chandigarh, is expected to deepen mutual understanding between media professionals and institutional stakeholders . By facilitating direct engagement and field level observation, the initiative reinforces transparency, accountability and evidence based reporting .

As the delegation continues its engagements across Chandigarh and Punjab, the study tour stands as a model for constructive dialogue, collaborative learning and informed journalism . The exposure gained through this initiative will enable the media fraternity to communicate development narratives with clarity, authenticity and greater contextual depth to the public .