Maruti Suzuki India is stepping up efforts to increase women’s participation in India’s automotive manufacturing workforce by building a stronger pipeline of trained female talent through its Japan-India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) at Uncha Majra, Manesar.
The institute is targeting women to account for 30% of total admissions by the academic year 2028-29, following steady growth in female enrolment over the past two academic years.
Focus on women in manufacturing
JIM Uncha Majra is inducting female students in line with employment opportunities available in the region. The institute offers courses across nine trades, primarily focused on the automotive sector.
Maruti Suzuki India Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Rahul Bharti said diversity was essential for creating a complete skills ecosystem.
“To have a 360° completeness of skills, diversity is important. With this vision, we are committed to increasing women’s participation in manufacturing,” he said.
Bharti said many talented women remain unaware of opportunities in manufacturing or do not consider it as a career option. He pointed to the performance of two female students from JIM Uncha Majra who emerged as Haryana state toppers in manufacturing trades this year.
Fee waiver and hostel support
Maruti Suzuki is taking a broader approach to attract more women to the programme. From the current academic year, the institute has introduced a 100% tuition fee waiver for women students.
The institute is also providing a dedicated women’s hostel and increasing the representation of women across faculty and support functions.
“We believe this initiative will encourage more young women to pursue careers in manufacturing and participate in the growth of India’s industrial workforce,” Bharti said.
Strong performance in state rankings
JIM Uncha Majra students have continued to perform strongly in state-level vocational examinations. This year, the institute produced top rankers across four trades, with students from the institute securing all three top positions in two of those trades.
India-Japan manufacturing partnership
JIMs are part of a collaborative initiative between the Governments of India and Japan to develop a skilled workforce for India’s manufacturing sector.
Maruti Suzuki has established four JIMs, located at Mehsana and Gandhinagar in Gujarat, and Uncha Majra at Manesar and Sonipat in Haryana.
Affiliated with India’s National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) and accredited by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the institutes follow the Dual System of Training, combining classroom learning with industry exposure.
Students undergo seven months of paid industry training annually, giving them practical shop-floor experience while providing an “Earn while you Learn” opportunity.
The programmes focus on advanced manufacturing techniques, efficient shop-floor practices based on Japanese manufacturing principles and soft skills aimed at improving employability. The institutes are equipped with advanced training infrastructure to prepare students for manufacturing careers.