Alok Jain
National Skill Development Corporation
Alok Jain is a Mechanical Engineer with a Post-graduation in Industrial Engineering and more than 28 years of experience in Training and Capacity Building, Skill Development, Quality Assurance, Certification, and Accreditation at both National and International levels. His extensive career has made a significant impact on trade, economy, international relationships, and marketing.
With a diverse background in both Indian industries and the Government, Alok has gained valuable experience in industrial, governmental, international market, and trade-related issues. His roles have provided him with a comprehensive perspective on challenges and solutions from both industry and government viewpoints.
Before joining NSDC, as the Head of the Training & Capacity Building Cell at Quality Council of India, Alok has successfully overseen the training of over 25,000 professionals across the TIC (Testing, Inspection & Certification) Sector, industries, government bodies, and regulatory organizations, both in India and abroad.
Alok’s expertise in Accreditation extends to collaboration with international forums such as APAC, IAF, ILAC, SADCA, AFRAC, and ARAC. He has led and participated in evaluations of accreditation bodies across various countries, including the Philippines, Korea, Thailand, USA, Malaysia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, China, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, UAE, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.
In addition to his work in accreditation, Alok has represented India in numerous international meetings and training sessions, supporting Quality Infrastructure in countries including Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Japan, Bangkok, Colombia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Iran, Taiwan, USA, Botswana, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
Alok is highly proficient in a broad range of standards applicable to Accreditation, Conformity Assessment Bodies, and Industries.
Nitin Kapoor
NSDC Academy
Nitin currently serves as the Head of NSDC Academy at the National Skill Development Corporation. Nitin has rich diverse experience in learning and organizational development, skilling, training, employability, talent management, outcome focused strategy and operations.
Nitin has successfully enabled people and business transformations through roles spanning multiple global organizations such as Harvard Business Corporate Learning, Dale Carnegie Training, XSEED Education, OYO, Sunstone, Housing, VLCC Healthcare across India, MEA and APAC.
His entrepreneurial experience in the early years equips him with a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics, enabling him to engage with individuals and organizations across the skilling ecosystem and drive both scale and positive impact.
Nitin's contributions have been recognized by prestigious entities such as ET Now and the
World HRD Congress for his outstanding work in Learning, Training and Development.
Rishikesh Patankar
Government Programs
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
With 25 years of experience in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Rishikesh Patankar has played a pivotal role in driving large-scale digital transformation and skilling initiatives. As Vice President at NSDC, he leads the implementation of PM Vishwakarma and PMKVY 4.0, two of the world’s largest skilling programs, positively impacting millions of individuals across India.
Rishikesh’s career is built on a solid foundation of delivering transformative solutions in governance, education, and skill development. He has worked across academia, government, and the corporate sector, with experience at multiple Central and State Ministries in India and internationally, as well as at Digital India Corporation, CSCSPV, leading global universities in China and India, and even a brief tenure with the Indian Navy.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Rishikesh is an avid endurance sports enthusiast, having successfully completed multiple Ironman 70.3 races, triathlons, and ultra-distance cycling and swimming challenges.
Rajesh Swaika
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
NSDC International
Rajesh Swaika is the Chief Financial Officer of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and NSDC International. Rajesh plays a key role in ensuring financial excellence in support of India’s skill development mission. With a strong background in financial leadership and strategic planning, he leads the organization’s financial management and investment strategies, ensuring the effective deployment of resources to empower individuals with industry-relevant skills.
With extensive experience in financial management, risk assessment, and capital optimization across complex organizational landscapes, Rajesh brings valuable insights to support sustainable growth and strengthen financial governance. At NSDC, he is instrumental in establishing robust financial frameworks and driving partnerships aligned with national development objectives.
Committed to innovation and inclusive growth, Rajesh leverages his financial expertise to drive transformative impact within India’s skilling ecosystem. In collaboration with NSDC’s leadership and operational teams, he remains focused on maximizing impact, enhancing efficiency, and contributing to the nation’s vision of a skilled and empowered workforce.
Mahendra Singh Payaal
As Chief Program Officer at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Col. Mahendra Singh Payaal is a cross-functional senior executive, leading key government initiatives focused on enhancing India’s workforce capabilities. With a strong foundation in mission-driven policy advocacy and strategic project planning, he has been instrumental in the successful rollout of transformative national schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and PM-Vishwakarma.
Col. Payaal brings over three decades of experience across sectors including IT services, telecommunications and electronics, defense procurement, security, training and mentoring, and research. His ability to drive large-scale programs, combined with a sharp strategic focus and talent for mobilizing teams toward ambitious outcomes, defines his leadership approach.
Dedicated to national development and capacity building, Col. Payaal continues to champion initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen institutions, and contribute to a skilled and future-ready India.
Mr. Jitendra Thakker
Our Impact
Ms. Sudha Keshari
Mr. Thiagarajan
Mr. Karma Namgyal Bhutia