भारत सरकारने तरुणांच्या रोजगारक्षमतेत वाढ करण्यासाठी स्किल युनिव्हर्सिटीज (Skill Universities) चा विस्तार करण्याचा महत्त्वपूर्ण निर्णय घेतला आहे. ७ फेब्रुवारी २०२६ रोजी जाहीर झालेल्या या उपक्रमानुसार, विविध राज्यांमध्ये नवीन कौशल्य-आधारित विद्यापीठे स्थापन करून पारंपरिक शिक्षणासोबत प्रत्यक्ष कौशल्य प्रशिक्षणावर भर दिला जाणार आहे. यामुळे विद्यार्थ्यांना शिक्षण पूर्ण केल्यानंतर थेट रोजगाराच्या संधी उपलब्ध होतील, असा विश्वास व्यक्त करण्यात आला आहे.
In a major push towards job-oriented education, India is expanding its network of Skill Universities to align academic learning with industry needs. The initiative focuses on equipping students with practical, hands-on skills that directly match current market demands. Education authorities stated that this move is aimed at reducing the gap between degrees and employability, a challenge faced by many graduates across the country.Skill Universities will offer specialized programs in areas such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, healthcare support services, logistics, digital marketing, artificial intelligence operations, and hospitality management. These courses are designed in collaboration with industry partners to ensure relevance and real-world application. Students will spend a significant portion of their academic time in workshops, labs, and on-site industry training.A key highlight of this model is the “learn while you earn” approach. Students will have opportunities for paid apprenticeships and internships as part of their curriculum. This not only provides financial support during education but also helps students gain valuable work experience before graduation. Employers have welcomed this move, noting that it will create a workforce that is better prepared and job-ready.The initiative also emphasizes inclusivity. Skill Universities are expected to benefit students from rural and economically weaker sections by offering affordable education and localized training programs. Courses will be available in regional languages, making skill-based education more accessible to a wider population. Special support programs are planned for women students and differently-abled learners to ensure equal participation.Educators believe this reform marks a shift from rote learning to competency-based education. Assessment methods will focus more on practical performance, projects, and real-time problem-solving rather than only written examinations. This approach encourages innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking among students.While the response has been largely positive, experts stress the importance of consistent quality standards and strong industry collaboration. Continuous curriculum updates and teacher training will be essential for the success of Skill Universities. With proper implementation, this initiative has the potential to transform India’s education landscape and empower millions of young learners with meaningful careers.
